Residents and Activists Form Human Chain in Navi Mumbai to Protest Kharghar-Nerul Coastal Road Project
Navi Mumbai, 23rd September 2024: On Sunday morning, numerous residents and environmental activists gathered in Belapur to form a human chain, protesting against the proposed Kharghar-Nerul coastal road. With banners and placards in hand, the protesters aimed to send a clear message to Cidco and the government, urging that the extensive green belt along the Panvel Creek, cultivated through the dedicated efforts of residents, should not be sacrificed for the construction of the road.
The residents argue that the coastal road is unnecessary and would come at the cost of vital mangroves and mature trees. Netra Shirke, a resident and former chairperson of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s standing committee, led the protest to draw attention to their cause. “Residents have planted over 30,000 trees here and care for them daily. The coastal road will not only destroy the area’s scenic beauty and tranquillity but also threaten local biodiversity. The green belt in Belapur’s sector 15 was established as part of NMMC’s ‘one-time development’ initiative, envisioned by former environment minister Ganesh Naik,” Shirke stated.
Shubhangi Tirodkar, an activist living in sector 15 for nearly a decade, voiced her dismay over the potential transformation of their green space into a busy concrete road. B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, has written to the chief minister, questioning the necessity of this “white elephant” coastal road, noting that Kharghar already has adequate road infrastructure. He emphasized that Kharghar and Belapur are well-served by service roads, suburban trains, and metro services, with minimal traffic to the now-defunct Nerul Jetty.
Protesters proposed alternative solutions to improve connectivity, such as linking the upcoming airport and the creek with Kharghar road via an underpass or flyover at the Sion-Panvel highway. Sandeep Naik, former Airoli MLA and participant in the protest asserted, “The proposed road threatens the region’s flora and fauna. We oppose it strongly to protect our environment.” Rekha Sankhala from the Save Flamingos and Mangroves forum expressed disappointment over Cidco’s apparent disregard for environmental concerns.
In response, Cidco defended the 9.678 km road, stating that it connects key nodes and the new airport, which will enhance the city’s infrastructure. “It has received CRZ clearance and tenders are being issued. This project is expected to provide integrated and seamless connectivity between Kharghar, Belapur, and Nerul, along with faster access to the airport and other major developments,” a Cidco official said. Cidco plans to seek permission from the high court to proceed with mangrove removal, paving the way for the Rs 272 crore Kharghar Coastal Road project.
