A thread on #VetalTekdi

- MIT is to build a 20 ft wide road from Paud to the top of tekdi through hill slope of Survey 123.
- Excavation started during Diwali; the work was stayed by PMC bcoz apt permissions were not sought.
- MIT has REAPPLIED for permissions.

(1)

- A road from Paud to ARAI already exists.
- Tekdi is an ecologically sensitive Reserved Forest; any construction activity on the hill will cause irreparable ecological damage.
- The grasslands, forests & aquifers on Tekdi benefit the entire city.

(2)

- Survey 123 on Tekdi officially belongs to MIT. It is also part of 'Hill Top Hill Slope' zone. Per DC rules 2017, construction activity is banned in this zone.
- 'Hill environment, Biodiversity' an attribute in PMC's Strategic Environment Assessment Report, DP Plan (2007-27

(3)

- Vetal Tekdi is one of the heritage sites identified in the Maharashtra Govt notice dated 27.09.2000
- Bombay High Court (PIL 156, 2006) had stayed construction of road by PMC b/w Bal Bharati & Paud Phata on this hill in the absence of an analysis of environmental risks.

(4)

- In its judgment, the Court emphasised public trust doctrine: govt is responsible to protect resources for general public and to improve the environment under Article 48A of the Constitution of India.
- In light of all this, MIT must give up plans for any construction

(5)