New Cuffe Parade or another Bhopal in making
By Nawaz Sayyed
Mumbai: The upcoming residential-cum-commercial complex close to the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) refinery at Chembur has become the new hot topic for discussion between the court and civic body.
Security Threat to Refinery:
Challenging to the forthcoming project in that area HPCL has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) citing that there is a security threat to refinery, as there is danger for life of neighbours with regard to emission of toxic fumes.
Intelligence Bureau (IB) report:
On the other hand Intelligence Bureau (IB) has also submitted the report quoted that there was a security threat to the refinery.
In year 2008 appraisal committee had cleared the alleged project after considering environmental hazards and pollution, Rajeev Chavan Advocate for MoEF (the ministry of Environment and Forests) said while informing to the justice bench comprising PB Majmudar and Justice Mridula Bhatkar.
Following to this quote Justice Majumdar has asked to the authorities that who will be accountable for the any dire consequences if took place in that particular area. Justice has moreover added that by giving example of Kolkata’s AMRI hospital approx 93 people died who has been admitted to get well but has succumbed to suffocation.”
Project sanctioned in I-3 Zone (Special Industrial Zone):
According to the HPCL the alleged residential project has been sanctioned by the authorities in the I-3 zone. Whereas, in that area HPCL is not the only industry also there are several plants which are having security threat such as Rashtriya Chemical and Fertilizers Limited, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Under section37 the zone is composed of large parcels of land in the Maromas area which have been used for special industrial purposes only not for residential purposes as it has security threat for the residents.
The court said it could not stop anyone abiding by the law. But, “people should consider reality and take precautions,” said justice Majmudar.
Asking HPCL to go through the affidavit filed by MoEF, the court has kept the petition for hearing on January 10.
A close look to the upcoming Project by Lodha Group:
The Lodha Group has announced the New Cuffe Parade project which is located at the Wadala Truck Terminal of MMRDA near IMAX Dome Wadala Mumbai, is in the same vicinity. The project spread over the 250acres with 15 acres dedicated to lush green spaces meant for public utility. The developer is promoting the project by saying this is the “New Cuffe Parade in the making.” The Developers, geographically unsound have also sold its project at Mira Road with a tag as Dahisar, in the past. The entire area in a day, is foggy with dust and chemical pollution. Its dangerous to public health, as quoted by Hon. Justice in his comment and as per the PIL filed by HPCL.
