Central govt asks Maharashtra to probe ‘violations’ in CIDCO projects under PMAY

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) signed the directive and emphasised that States and Union Territories are responsible for enforcing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) provisions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

“It is requested to examine the nature and extent of the alleged grievance regarding the above issue and submit a reply to the applicant with a copy to this Ministry at an early date. It is also requested that action applicable with the law may be taken if the grievance is found to be affirmative,” said the MOEFCC directive dated August 23.

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has been asked to assess the “serious violations” in the PMAY project in Navi Mumbai, particularly those in Mansarovar and Kharghar, which are reportedly too close to sensitive ecological zones.

Activist Jyoti Nadkarni from Kharghar pointed out that the project’s compound wall is dangerously close to mangroves and may exacerbate flooding in surrounding areas. Nadkarni said. “The taxpayers’ money should not be spent on projects that harm the environment, and I urge the authorities to uphold environmental protections in such developments.”