Observing that the state already has very less number of open spaces left, the Bombay High Court directed CIDCO to inspect and take action against those who are dumping debris on lakes and ponds off Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai.
A division bench of Justices S J Vazifdar and B P Colabawala was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO ‘Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society’ alleging that debris and other wastes are being dumped on mangroves and lakes on Palm Beach Road, despite an earlier high court order prohibiting such activities.
The petitioner pointed out to the court that several endangered birds visit the lakes and it becomes a tourist spot. But now with debris being dumped, the lake will be filled up.
“There are already so less (number of) such beautiful spots left in our state. Why is the authority not taking action? They are bound by law to stop such illegal activities. We direct the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to inspect the sites and take action in accordance with law,” the court said.
The court also issued notice to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and directed it, Cidco and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to file their affidavits within two weeks.
