As the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) nears completion, environmental activists and residents are voicing serious concerns over safety protocols, particularly the risk of bird strikes due to an unregulated meat trade in Ulwe, just three kilometres from the airport’s runway. This practice violates the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, which prohibit animal slaughter within ten kilometers of any airport.
The NatConnect Foundation’s director, B N Kumar, has voiced concerns, notifying CIDCO’s unapproved construction controller and vigilance officer and submitting objections via the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Officials at CIDCO assert that they have not yet received formal grievances, though. Amid worries about avian flu and the GBS virus, activists have also warned of the environmental and health hazards to various government agencies. One such activist is Santosh Kate, the NCP president of Ulwe.
There hasn’t been any noticeable change despite growing complaints. Reports were sent to important state officials when activist Karan Chawla brought the matter to the attention of the chief minister’s office, but no action has been documented. Disappointed by the lack of action, Kumar has suggested setting up a sanitary, regulated abattoir. Additionally, he suggests that the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) be led by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to provide independent control as opposed to relying exclusively on CIDCO’s senior officers.
Meanwhile, infrastructure projects supporting NMIA continue at full pace. The Ulwe Coastal Road, a six-lane corridor spanning 5.8 kilometres with an additional 1.2-kilometre elevated link, is progressing rapidly. Designed to connect the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) to the airport, the project initially faced environmental hurdles, particularly concerning the diversion of 32.69 hectares of forest land. However, the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has granted final approval.
By building portions of the road on stilts and pledging to plant compensating trees, CIDCO has taken steps to lessen environmental harm. The project is expected to be finished by early 2026, with current estimates of expenses of around Rs 1,400 crore. On the Nerul/Belapur-Uran route, work is progressing close to Targhar station. The road will eventually cross Amra Marg to offer direct access to the airport. Another coastal road that runs 9.5 kilometres from Belapur to Kharghar is also up for bid.
Despite the promise of increased connection and economic prosperity brought about by these infrastructure advancements, issues with public health and environmental safety have not been addressed. As NMIA approaches its launch, finding a balance between sustainability and development is essential. Residents and activists are still demanding responsibility and transparency, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard the environment and maintain operational safety in the area.
Source: The Pinnacle Gazette
