NMEPS was concerned with the wanton destruction of mangroves, wetlands and natural habitats of birds, including migratory birds in Navi Mumbai. Debris are being dumped, mangroves burnt and illegal reclamation/construction in CRZ zones including within 50 meters of mangroves. Despite the MCZMA order of 16/01/13 and Konkan Commissioner’s order of 19/10/2012, debris are still dumped on the lake with water channels blocked. Since no action was being taken despite representations to various authorities, NMEPS decided to file a PIL in Bombay High Court. The PIL No is 218 of 2013. It was served on the seven respondents on 2nd December, 2012. The petitioners are NMEPS and Mr. VK Punshi. The respondents are Ministry of Environment, Govt. of Maharashtra, MD CIDCO, Municipal Commissioner NMMC, Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Cell), Commissioner Konkan Division, Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai and MCZMA.
Some of the important interim orders that have been received from the Honorable High Court are to
- Appointment of Senior Counsel Shiraz Rustomjee as Amicus Curie
- Barring CIDCO from dumping any debris on DPS Lake and area behind Chanakya
- Appointment of Nodal officers from CIDCO & Forest Dept to ensure that no further debris is dumped, and instruction to the ACP Turbhe division to provide necessary police protection to various authorities in carrying on their duties for demolition of illegal structures and stopping debris dumping.
- Barricading the roads leading up to mangroves to prevent trucks full of debris or construction material entering forest areas.
- Clean up of existing debris in the wetland areas.