The Balaji temple under construction on the Ulwe coast will be confined strictly to non-Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has assured the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on oath.
This assurance came in response to objections raised by environmental platform NatConnect Foundation, whose director B N Kumar had approached the NGT alleging CRZ violations in the 40,000 sq mtr plot allotted to the TTD by CIDCO in April 2022.
A study by the Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS) at Anna University, commissioned by the TTD, found that as per the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP)-2011, 2,748.18 sq mtr of the land falls under CRZ-1A, 25,656.58 sq mtr under CRZ-2, and 11,595 sq mtr outside CRZ. Under the updated CZMP-2019, the buildable area increased, with the CRZ-IA area at 2,748.18 sq mtr, CRZ-II area reduced to 7,729.28 sq mtr, and 29,523 sq mtr classified as non-CRZ.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) gave its final nod on November 20, 2023, allowing TTD limited use of the mangrove buffer zone for a compound wall and landscaping—an approval that was opposed by Kumar’s counsel, advocate Ronita Bhattacharya.
Kumar also flagged that the site is recorded by CIDCO as flood-prone. While the temple will be built on an elevated portion, surrounding lower areas could face flooding with rising water levels.
After prolonged hearings, TTD assured that it will not carry out any construction within CRZ zones and will seek prior permission for any activity there. Kumar accepted the undertaking, clarifying that he was not against the temple project itself but only concerned about environmental safety.
The NGT dismissed the case on July 31 after recording TTD’s commitment. While satisfied with the order, Kumar maintained that flood risk remains a serious concern.