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The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (HRC) has taken action against CIDCO Managing Director for his “total non-action” against a private builder in the Parsik Hill slope cutting case. The HRC has directed the CIDCO MD to file his own affidavit explaining his stand before the next hearing in the case. The HRC will take up the case next on March 27. The environment department and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have also been directed to submit their fresh affidavits.
The HRC has taken suo motu note of media reports based on complaints from Parsik Greens and NatConnect Foundation. The Commission has earlier served notices on the State Environment and Forest Departments, CIDCO, NMMC and Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, heard arguments on February 16 and expressed its displeasure against the CIDCO top boss for his inaction.
CIDCO’s own admission was that the agreement with the builder Bhumiraj Builders Private Limited was for plantation and maintenance only, with several riders such as the prerequisite of a soil strength test to be obtained from IIT Bombay. Yet, the builder made a pathway and erected advertisement hoardings for which CIDCO served notice to the builder on January 5 giving him 15 days to remove the boards. CIDCO’s lawyer also submitted, showing the builder’s letter that the board was pulled down on January 10 itself.
The complainants have, however, presented the photographs shot on January 25 showing the advertisement boards intact, the commission noted. It also observed that there were no signs of any garden on the hill in the photographs presented by CIDCO.
The Parsik Hill slope cutting case has been a cause for concern for environmentalists and citizens alike. The Parsik Hills are located in Navi Mumbai and are an important part of the region's biodiversity. The hills are home to several species of flora and fauna, and are also a source of groundwater for the region. The Parsik Hill slope cutting case involves the cutting of a large part of the hill slope by a private builder in violation of the terms of the Leave & License Agreement with CIDCO. The cutting of the hill slope has not only led to the loss of biodiversity, but has also resulted in a threat to the groundwater reserves in the region.
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission's action against the CIDCO Managing Director is a significant development in the Parsik Hill slope cutting case. The HRC has taken note of the inaction on the part of the CIDCO MD and has directed him to file his own affidavit explaining his stand before the next hearing in the case. The HRC's action is a welcome step towards holding those responsible for the violation of the Leave & License Agreement accountable. It is important that the environmental damage caused by the cutting of the Parsik Hill slope is addressed and steps are taken to prevent such violations in the future. The case is scheduled to be taken up on March 27, and it remains to be seen what action will be taken by the HRC and other authorities involved in the case.
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