CIDCO cancels sale of contested Nerul CRZ plot

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the governing body responsible for most of Navi Mumbai’s planned development, has cancelled the tender process of the contested CRZ plot at Seawoods, Nerul. Several citizens along with the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) had filled petitions with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to stop the tender process as the plot of land in question fell within the CRZ limits where construction activity is restricted. The petitioners are pleased with the decision of the NGT to block the sale process and hope to stop CIDCO from commercially exploiting the CRZ plot.

In a statement filled with the NGT, CIDCO denies cancelling the bid on account of the petitions filled. The civic body cites that the tender process was cancelled simply because the bidding offer received for plot was well below market value. In an undertaking submitted to the NGT, the civic body states that all portions of the plot that lie within 50 meters of an existing mangrove buffer zone will be clearly outlined by competent authorities in the tender documents. This will ensure the buffer zone is not disturbed and that all construction activities are carried out in accordance with the prevailing laws.

In 2022, CIDCO floated a tender for sale of plot number 2A comprising of sectors 54, 56 and 58. The plot in question is a 25,000 square meter land parcel, located adjacent to the NRI Seawoods area. The Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) and neighbouring residents filled independent petitions with the NGT to stop the sale, alleging that portions of the plot fall under CRZ-I and CRZ-II zones, and therefore cannot be developed. CIDCO defended its actions by stating that the tender process undertaken fulfils all CRZ provisions and contended that no law prevents them from showing CRZ-I area as part of the plot for sale. A stay order was issued by the NGT on the sale and CIDCO was given until 20th December 2022 to submit a response.

Recently, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) filled an affidavit with the NGT confirming that portions of the disputed plot fall under CRZ. The MCZMA and Environment Department have recommended to the NGT that CIDCO should obtain the accurate CRZ maps from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in Anna University in Chennai to accurately map out restricted zones in its re-tendering process. As a result, the NGT has given CIDCO one month to submit a report on the mapping for approval, only after which it can begin its retendering process. The final hearing has been fixed for 2nd March 2022.

Next (Over 200 people evacuated in Joshimath after buildings develop cracks)

CIDCO cancels sale of contested Nerul CRZ plot

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