Bombay HC halts landfilling at Nerul’s Lotus Lake, orders legal action against CIDCO for environmental violations

NAVI MUMBAI: Following a complaint by Vanashakti director and high court-appointed wetland committee member Stalin D, Akshay Gajbhiye, member secretary of the committee, instructed the CIDCO joint MD to cease landfilling activities on the Wetland Atlas-verified water body immediately. Stalin emphasised the committee’s obligation to protect Nerul wetlands in accordance with Supreme Court and high court directives. A forest official confirmed the cessation of landfilling activities and assured continued surveillance.A significant development for environmentalists emerged as the Bombay high court’s wetland committee instructed the Thane district collector to initiate legal proceedings regarding the dumping of construction waste from the airport project at Nerul’s Lotus Lake in Navi Mumbai. S V Ramarao, co-chairman of the wetland committee, instructed member secretary Akshay Gajbhiye to communicate with CIDCO and the district collector regarding the attempted burial of the 7.5-acre wetland.NatConnect Director B N Kumar urged Ramarao to implement strict measures against CIDCO for permitting a private contractor to deposit debris and soil from the Ulwe airport site. Ramarao, who also serves as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests – Mangrove Cell, confirmed that proceedings under the Environment Protection Act 1986 would be initiated. Kumar noted that only the environment secretary and revenue officials have the authority to file cases, limiting this power to the district collector. A previous request by then-state environment minister Aaditya Thackeray to extend these powers to the forest department was rejected by the govt.Adv Pradeep Patole, who previously challenged lake dumping and encroachment in the high court, emphasised the clarity of judicial orders protecting the wetland. The situation is complicated by CIDCO’s authorisation for contractor TPIL to transport soil from the airport site, supported by the Raigad collector’s royalty waiver for transportation to Nerul in Thane district.Activists suggested that whilst the contractor might avoid consequences due to CIDCO’s authorisation, the city planning officials could face scrutiny. Environmental activists note that a case filed by the Thane district collector against CIDCO would establish a crucial precedent regarding environmental violations by the city. Activist Sunil Agarwal thanked Stalin for his timely intervention that halted the dumping activity.