The Navi Mumbai Collective, a coalition of concerned citizens, has raised objections regarding the approval process of the proposed Development Plan (DP) by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). Despite submitting over 15,000 suggestions and objections, the revised DP was forwarded to the State Government for sanction without due consideration, according to Indrani Basu, a representative of the group.

Comprising 38 members, including architects, town planners, urban designers, environmental activists, and social workers, the Navi Mumbai Collective meticulously outlined their concerns in an 18-page document. One of their primary grievances revolves around the lack of clarity regarding land allocation details, particularly the absence of recognition for existing slums and street vending zones mandated by the Street Vendors Act of 2014.

Of particular concern is the apparent dilution of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms in the proposed DP. Notably, the reduction in CRZ areas and buffer zones from water bodies raise significant environmental apprehensions, especially considering Navi Mumbai's susceptibility to climate change impacts such as sea level rise.

Architects Dulari Parmer and Dushant Batule emphasized the unsuitability of incorporating the amended CRZ norms into city-level planning, urging adherence to previously established regulations to mitigate environmental risks effectively.

Moreover, the absence of CRZ III designation and oversight of eco-sensitive wetlands, crucial habitats for migratory birds including Flamingos, has drawn sharp criticism. Despite ample evidence supporting the ecological significance of these areas, the Draft DP overlooks their protection.