The protest was to get officials to take cognisance of the encroachments on the hill which activists fear will lead to landslides. |
Hundreds of residents formed a human chain at CBD Belapur based Parsik Hill on Sunday morning. The protest was to get officials to take cognisance of the encroachments on the hill which activists fear will lead to landslides.
“Despite demolition notices issued by CIDCO, at least 30 unauthorized religious structures have occupied 2.3 lakh square feet of the hill. CIDCO, the city’s planning authority, has admitted these structures must be demolished as per the 2009 Supreme Court order, which bans religious structures on public land,” said the Nat connect foundation director BN Kumar who spearheaded the humain chain protest.
Local activists, including NatConnect, pointed out that the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) had been assured by the State government in August last year that CIDCO would demolish the structures.
However, nearly six months later, no action has been taken, and instead, some structures are expanding.
Demonstrators carried placards and banners reading “Save Belapur Hills,” “Relocate Temples,” “People’s Lives Matter,” and “Protect Our Green Cover.”
“We are not against temples or cow shelters, but they must be in safer locations,” said self-employed businesswoman Amrita Karnavat, lamenting the destruction of greenery despite repeated complaints.
Residents of Kalpataru Cooperative Housing Society, which has already witnessed two landslides, fear a disaster similar to Irshalwadi if the hill continues to be encroached upon. “Hundreds of devotees visit these illegally built temples, some of which have halls accommodating over 1,500 people. If a landslide occurs, the consequences will be catastrophic,” warned activist Himanshu Katkar.
Residents had alerted CIDCO about the illegal structures over a decade ago, said activist Sushil Patil, yet officials only offered empty assurances with no action.
Ex-serviceman Col Benjamin condemned the destruction of forests for vested interests. “We are deeply disturbed as a community. We will not allow our forests to be denuded in this manner,” he asserted.
The deterioration of the hill is visible even from CIDCO’s headquarters, protesters pointed out. Anil Singh, a Vashi resident, questioned the need for further complaints or court orders, given the glaring evidence of destruction.
Expressing shock at CIDCO’s apathy, RTI activist Sudhir Dani said the agency has disregarded court rulings and even Mantralaya’s directives.
