NGT prohibits leasing plot near Navi Mumbai creek

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) announced that Cidco, the planning authority for Navi Mumbai, was prohibited from leasing out a 25,000 sq m (6.2 acre) plot adjacent to the NRI Colony at Seawoods in Nerul, which falls under CRZ. This decision was made after local residents and activists had been protesting against a Cidco tender to auction the plot. The intention was to develop residential and commercial buildings in an area known for its mangroves and flamingo habitat. Two applications were submitted by the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) and a group of six city residents, urging Cidco to halt the auction. The base price for the auction was set at Rs 1.4 lakh per sq m. The petitions, presented by advocates Zaman Ali and Meennaz Kakalia, highlighted that according to the Cidco tender documents, about two-thirds of Plot 2A in Nerul sector 54-56-58 fell under CRZ 1 (where no construction is allowed) and CRZ 2 (which permits construction but with several restrictions).