Post Raigad landslide, NMCC to study threat to Parsik hill

There were 229 people, including 25 children up to six years of age, staying in those houses, the woman claimed, adding she was shattered by the incident. Pic/NDRF

In light of the Irshalwadi landslide, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has assured environmentalists and local residents that it will look into their concerns regarding Parsik hill.

The NatConnect Foundation and Parsik Greens have in the past alerted NMMC officials about threats to Parsik Hill residents and buildings, as the eastern slope facing CIDCO headquarters, has been dug up under the guise of beautification by a private builder. An IIT report had also confirmed the soil weakness on the eastern slope.

Parsik Greens convenor Vishnu Joshi said the retention wall on top of the hill has been broken and there are encroachments by some unscrupulous elements. There are already over hundred buildings constructed on top of the hill. "Post clearance of aviation restrictions, more will come up," said Parsik Hill Residents Association president Jayant Thakur.

Following the landslide in Raigad, NatConnect director BN Kumar once again wrote to the NMMC. NMMC Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar has promised to look into the issue. On Friday, the civic body examined the endangered slopes. City engineer Sanjay Desai said the hill condition is being studied.