Charkop hsg society’s CRZ violations left unchecked
The Mumbai suburban collector’s office has failed to take action against a housing society in Charkop that allegedly violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and a high court order meant to protect mangroves.
The Mumbai suburban collector’s office has failed to take action against a housing society in Charkop that allegedly violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and a high court order meant to protect mangroves.
Last month, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had asked the collector’s office to inspect the alleged violations and take action by August 2.
The MCZMA had found that Shri Sai Baba Co-operative Housing Society had breached the Bombay high court order that prohibits construction within 50 metres from mangroves.
Its report to the collector also stated that as the building falls in a no-development zone it should have sought the state environment department’s permission for construction, which is a violation according to CRZ notifications issued in 1991 and 2011.
“The action was supposed to be taken by August 2, but the collector’s office has not even initiated action yet,” said Reji Abraham, president of United Association for Social Education and Public Welfare, a non-profit organisation that reported the violation to MCZMA.
The Mumbai suburban collector Sanjeev Deshmukh did not respond to HT’s calls and a query sent through a text message.
The MCZMA had also sought an explanation from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for clearing a structure in a no development zone. But the civic body officials said that they had not received any such letter.
“We have not received any intimation from the building proposal department regarding demolishing the building or to take any other action. We have also not received the MCZMA’s order,” said Satish Gone, assistant engineer, R-central ward, building and factory department.
Environment secretary Valsa Nair Singh said the MCZMA would seek a report on the action taken in the matter during its meeting next month.