Environmental activists and residents are raising significant concerns about the safety protocols surrounding the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Their primary worry centers on the potential for bird strikes due to the unregulated meat trade occurring at Ulwe, located roughly three kilometers from the airport's runway. Reports indicate this activity violates regulations set forth by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which prohibit animal slaughter within ten kilometers of any airport. The Maharashtra government’s resolution establishing the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) accentuates the need for strict adherence to this rule, as detailed by B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation.
Kumar has taken proactive steps, lodging complaints through the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) website and alerting Cidco’s unauthorized construction controller and vigilance officer. Despite these efforts, Cidco officials state they have not received any formal complaints. Local activists, including Santosh Kate, NCP president of Ulwe, have approached various government bodies, explicitly voicing concerns over the unhygienic open meat trade at Sector 19, Ulwe, which poses not only environmental risks but also additional health threats during this time of heightened awareness concerning diseases like the bird flu.
Kate, echoing widespread apprehensions, remarked, "It is also risky in these days of bird flu and GBS virus threats." Meanwhile, activist Karan Chawla has elevated his complaints to the chief minister, which have now been forwarded to key state officials, including additional chief secretary (home) I S Chahal and urban development-II secretary Govind Raj, yet no tangible actions have been observed.
Disappointed with the lack of response, Kumar has advocated for establishing a proper slaughterhouse compliant with safety and hygiene regulations. He suggested appointing either a former Supreme Court or high court judge to helm the AEMC, asserting the necessity for independent oversight to mitigate potential violations. "I suggested appointing a former Supreme Court or high court judge to lead the AEMC, ensuring independent oversight of violations," Kumar stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest by having Cidco's senior officials lead the committee.
Concurrently, the infrastructure project intended to support NMIA is making significant strides as the Ulwe Coastal Road progresses. This six-lane road, measuring 5.8 kilometers with an additional 1.2 kilometers elevated link, aims to facilitate seamless access between the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the NMIA. This project faced significant environmental hurdles, particularly concerning the diversion of 32.6921 hectares of forest land, which has finally received the green light from the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
CIDCO has rolled out several measures to lessen the project's environmental impact, including constructing portions of the road on stilts and committing to compensatory afforestation. Economic factors have influenced the project, with estimated costs now rising to Rs 1,400 crore, and completion is targeted for early 2026. This road is anticipated to be pivotal, allowing vehicles traveling from South Mumbai to reach NMIA directly via the Ulwe Coastal Road.
The construction activity is reportedly progressing rapidly near Targhar station on the Nerul/Belapur-Uran route, with plans for the road to cross over Amra Marg to reach the airport. Notably, CIDCO is also working on additional infrastructure, including another coastal road spanning 9.5 kilometers from Belapur to Kharghar, which is presently at the tendering stage.
Open alignment on this infrastructural development marks an encouraging note for the local economy and connectivity, yet the concurrent environmental concerns brought forward by activists remain unaddressed. Balancing development with environmental safety and public health standards will be key as the NMIA prepares for its anticipated launch.
Moving forward, the collaboration among governmental bodies, local communities, and activists will be instrumental in ensuring both the successful operation of the airport and the safeguarding of health and safety protocols for the nearby residents. The call for transparency and accountability is louder than ever, reminding stakeholders of the importance of addressing these pressing issues seriously.