Illegal temple structures on Belapur and Parsik Hills remain intact despite MSHRC demolition orders and government directives | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: Despite the State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) ruling in August 2024 and multiple directives from the State Government, CIDCO has continued to fail to demolish 30 illegal temples constructed on the landslide-prone slopes of Belapur and Parsik Hills.
These illegal temples are observed to be occupying over 2.3 lakhs square feet of area. The issue dates back to 2015 when a local residential society first complained about illegal structures coming upon the hills.
Environmentalists and local activists have long raised alarm over the unsafe religious structures built on the hill, warning that they pose serious threats to lives and property. The hill has over 600 odd houses as well.
A joint campaign by NatConnect Foundation and concerned residents brought the issue into focus, prompting the MSHRC to take suo motu cognizance in August 2024.
Following the hearing, the MSHRC reportedly ordered both CIDCO and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to take action against the unauthorized temples, this includes 29 constructed on Belapur Hill and one on Parsik Hill.
The Urban Development Department (UDD) is informed to have stated to the Commission that demolition orders had been issued, and CIDCO, under oath, committed to act. Notices were served to the organizations responsible, however the stipulated notice period has since expired since May 2024.
Now nearly a year later, the ground reality is that no demolition has taken place. while CIDCO has shifted the responsibility to NMMC, stating that enforcement falls under the civic body’s jurisdiction and NMMC has clarified that the hills are under CIDCO’s control, making CIDCO accountable for any action.
“The inaction is shocking,” said B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, who recently sought a progress report through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In response, the UDD reiterated to both CIDCO and NMMC the MSHRC’s directive and the urgency of acting in accordance with legal procedures.
Activists have pointed out that under a Supreme Court ruling, illegal religious structures on public land must be categorized for either demolition, regularization, or relocation. The temples in question fall under the demolition category as per a joint CIDCO-NMMC survey.
“We are not against any religion,” Kumar clarified. “But these structures are dangerously built on eroded hillsides, where the removal of hundreds of trees has loosened the soil. A landslide could prove fatal.”
Activist and lawyer Himanshu Katkar said even the CIDCO Chief Vigilance Officer, Suresh Mengade, has done little more than assure them that the issue will be ‘looked into’.
Meanwhile, activist Krishnan Potti pointed out that some temple trusts have continued expanding their premises, ignoring the demolition notices altogether. “Some of these structures can hold over a thousand people. Imagine the catastrophe if the hill gives way,” he said.
Local resident Kapil Kulkarni echoed the fears and frustrations of many. “Are we waiting for another Irshalwadi tragedy to act?” he questioned, referring to the 2023 Raigad landslide that claimed nearly 80 lives. When contacted the PRO of CIDCO stated the matter is known and it is being examined.
