The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has suspended the demolition of illegal religious structures on the Belapur Hills, citing substantial landslide risks exacerbated by ongoing heavy rains.
The halt follows initial demolition efforts which had commenced in response to a suo motu notice by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC), triggered by media reports highlighting the peril posed by these structures. CIDCO had issued notices to 30 illegal structures, which occupy over 3.2 lakh square feet—equivalent to around 400 one-bedroom flats. This action came after MSHRC, following media coverage of potential landslide threats, directed CIDCO and other relevant bodies to address the safety concerns.
Despite starting the demolition with over 100 police personnel on site, CIDCO was compelled to halt operations after partially dismantling two structures. The decision was driven by fears that continued use of heavy machinery could destabilise the soil further, potentially triggering landslides. A CIDCO official noted, “The ongoing demolition work poses a high risk of landslides due to the heavy machinery involved. The slope is particularly vulnerable because of the slum colony nearby, which houses around 500 huts.” Environmental concerns were echoed by A Spokesperson of the NatConnect Foundation, who warned that the illegal structures have exacerbated soil erosion by eliminating trees that stabilise the hillside.
They also criticised the prolonged inaction on these structures, noting that complaints date back to 2015. Further complicating the situation, CIDCO’s affidavit to the MSHRC cited a lack of adequate police security as a factor in the delayed demolition, given the sensitivity surrounding the demolition of religious structures. In response, NatConnect has requested that the police commissioner be made a respondent in the case to provide additional clarity on security provisions.
Additionally, there is an ongoing dispute regarding the authority over the Belapur Hills area, with the State Revenue Department claiming the land belongs to CIDCO while the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is purportedly the planning authority. The MSHRC has instructed the State Chief Secretary to clarify the government’s position on this matter, with the next hearing scheduled for August 26.
