Navi Mumbai: Construction of an illegal temple has recommenced on the landslide-susceptible Belapur Hill in Navi Mumbai, defying the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MHRC) directive and state govt’s orders to remove 30 unauthorised structures. Local resident Pratap Thampi reported that building work, previously halted during elections, resumed. Neither CIDCO nor NMMC has taken steps to halt the construction in this environmentally sensitive area, which experiences regular landslides during monsoons.
The MHRC panel, led by Justice K K Tated and Member M A Sayeed, previously initiated suo motu proceedings based on media reports following residents’ campaigns. They directed the state govt, CIDCO, NMMC, and Forest Department to take action, noting these structures violated Supreme Court orders and posed risks to life and property.
CIDCO assured the Commission of their plans to demolish the structures with police support after serving notices. NMMC committed to disconnecting water supplies and supporting the removal operation. The state informed the Commission about instructions to both authorities to remove 30 illegal religious structures occupying 2.3 lakh square feet on Belapur and Parsik Hills.
A complainant, NatConnect Foundation, reports no action from CIDCO thus far. They initially attributed delays to monsoon risks and election-related police unavailability. Local activist Krishnan Potti documented ongoing construction and temple expansions. A senior CIDCO official indicated that NMMC’s committee holds decision-making authority for such structures.
NMMC’s Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dr Rahul Gethe stated they would investigate the alleged construction and take appropriate legal action if found illegal. The Forest Department confirmed transferring hill authority to CIDCO, whilst NMMC serves as the planning authority. SHRC has urged both organisations to cease shifting responsibility and act for public safety.
Residents Kapil Kulkarni and Himanshu Katkar reported disturbances from night-time construction noise and lodged police complaints about loud music from these temples on Thursday night, resulting in beat marshal intervention.
