BMC Directs NGO to Restore CRZ Site in Worli After Unauthorized Construction
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a directive to Mumbai Mile, a non-governmental organization, to restore a site in Worli to its original condition. This action comes after the NGO carried out unauthorized construction activity within a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area, violating environmental regulations.
Violations During CSR Beautification Project
The unauthorized construction occurred during beautification work as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project along Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road near Mahatma Phule Nagar. As part of this project, a public toilet was demolished and reconstruction began without obtaining the mandatory CRZ clearance from authorities.
The BMC's G-South ward had previously issued a stop-work notice to the organization after it failed to secure a CRZ No Objection Certificate (NOC). In its latest order, the ward office emphasized that the reconstruction violated approval conditions, noting that under the CRZ Notification 2019, prior clearance is mandatory and there is no provision for post facto approvals.
Revocation of NOC and Legal Context
As a consequence of these violations, the ward office has now revoked the NOC that was initially granted for the beautification project. This decision aligns with judicial directives from both the High Court and Supreme Court, which have categorically stated that no activity or construction of any nature shall be undertaken in CRZ areas without proper authorization.
The directive follows complaints filed by activist Santosh Daundkar, who raised several concerns about the project. Daundkar alleged that the beautification work obstructed a commonly used access route to a public toilet and included unauthorized construction of a wall and footpath.
Activist Raises Critical Questions
In his complaint, Daundkar questioned how construction of a toilet within the CRZ area was carried out without permission. He further noted that the road in question forms part of an Estate plot under a sanctioned scheme, yet no permission was obtained from the Estate Department either.
"How did senior BMC officials permit work to be initiated without required NOCs, including from the estate department?" Daundkar questioned, highlighting potential procedural lapses in the approval process.
Environmental Regulations and Compliance
The CRZ Notification 2019 establishes strict guidelines for development activities in coastal areas to protect fragile ecosystems. The notification clearly mandates that any construction within CRZ areas requires prior clearance from competent authorities, with no provision for retrospective approvals.
This case underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly in sensitive coastal zones where unauthorized construction can have significant ecological consequences. The BMC's action demonstrates its commitment to enforcing CRZ regulations and maintaining the integrity of Mumbai's coastal areas.
