In a recent development, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has been informed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) that it lacks the authority to certify the existence of wetlands. This clarification comes in response to concerns raised by the NatConnect Foundation regarding the destruction of wetlands without proper notification of these vital water bodies. A report in the Free Press Journal mentioned that the CIDCO's actions in leasing major water bodies for various projects, including Navi Mumbai's special economic zone and a golf course, have come under scrutiny.
MOEFCC Initiates Wetlands Identification Process
The MOEFCC has confirmed that the process of identifying and notifying wetlands across the country is currently underway. This initiative involves ground truthing, wherein wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares are being identified based on data from the ISRO-SAC (Satellite Application Centre) atlas. This critical task is being carried out by various States and Union Territories. Rajasekhar Ratti, Scientist D of the Wetlands Division at MOEFCC, has emphasized that all wetlands and water bodies are protected under the existing laws of states and Union Territories. Moreover, identified and notified wetlands are safeguarded under the provisions of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, ensuring their preservation and sustainable management.
It's worth noting that out of the 2.5 lakh major wetlands identified in the ISRO-SAC atlas, only 1,274 have been listed on the Indian Wetlands website of the MOEFCC. Ratti clarified that the "ground truthing" of wetlands is being conducted by all States and Union Territories with the guidance and support of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM). Consequently, data for the portal will be updated as the wetlands identification process continues.
CIDCO's Role and Limitations
The NatConnect Foundation raised concerns about CIDCO's role in denying the existence of wetlands in Navi Mumbai while leasing them out for development projects, including the Navi Mumbai special economic zone (NMSEZ), JNPA, and a golf course. In response, Ratti clarified that CIDCO is not authorized to identify wetlands. He advised NatConnect Director B N Kumar to seek clarification on the wetlands in Maharashtra from the State Wetlands Authority.
Significance of the Issue
The significance of this information becomes evident when considering CIDCO's refusal to conserve wetlands such as Belpada, Bhendkhal, Panje in Uran, NRI Seawoods, and TS Chanakya in Nerul. Despite a proposal from the state mangrove cell, CIDCO has considered these water bodies as developable land parcels. Notably, the Bombay High Court has already ruled against the golf course project, with a CIDCO special leave petition currently pending in the Supreme Court.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Efforts to conserve the 286-hectare Panje wetland have led to legal action, with organizations like Vanashakti and Shri Ekvira Aai Pratishtan filing separate petitions in the High Court. These cases are currently in progress. Additionally, the Chief Minister has referred NatConnect's complaint about the burial of the Bhendkhal wetland to the environment department.
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