Environmental groups in Navi Mumbai are urging the Maharashtra government to transfer control of key hill ranges to the state Forest Department, citing ongoing ecological degradation due to urban development. The appeal, directed to senior state authorities, focuses on Parsik Hill, Belapur Hills, and Kharghar Hills, which are considered critical to maintaining the city’s ecological balance and environmental livability.
Activists emphasised that these hill ranges function as the city’s natural buffer zones, regulating local climate, supporting biodiversity, and protecting wetlands and mangroves. Industry observers note that unchecked development in sensitive hill areas can exacerbate flood risks, contribute to soil erosion, and disrupt urban microclimates, undermining Navi Mumbai’s long-term sustainability. The representation highlights instances of alleged environmental damage, including mangrove clearance in Nerul Sector 52A, extensive tree felling near municipal limits, and hill cutting in Belapur Sector 30 for real estate projects. Experts warn that such interventions on hill slopes can destabilise the terrain and threaten surrounding wetland ecosystems, while also creating pressure on existing urban infrastructure.
Concerns over encroachment have also been raised, with activists noting the gradual emergence of informal settlements and religious structures on hill slopes. Urban planners suggest that without regulatory oversight and proper environmental assessment, the hills’ natural functions could be severely compromised within the next decade, reducing the city’s resilience to climate and urban pressures. The groups have proposed the formation of a dedicated committee to assess environmental impacts of current and future development on hill ecosystems. They have also recommended that any plots created through hill or wetland alteration be revoked to prevent further ecological loss. Officials note that integrating forest management into urban planning could ensure sustainable development while preserving critical natural resources in Navi Mumbai.
This push comes amid growing calls nationwide to align urban expansion with climate-resilient and environmentally responsible planning. Analysts argue that transferring hill ranges to the Forest Department could strengthen governance, ensure stricter enforcement of environmental protections, and provide a framework for long-term conservation within rapidly urbanising areas. As authorities review the proposal, the broader implication for Navi Mumbai is clear: balancing growth and real estate development with environmental stewardship will be key to preserving the city’s ecological character, supporting public health, and maintaining property and infrastructure resilience against natural hazards.
Navi Mumbai Hills Activists Demand Forest Protection