2 mangrove stretches at risk from dumping

MUMBAI: Two mangrove stretches, in different parts of the city, are facing a threat from illegal debris dumping and reclamation.

Almost a kilometre-long expanse of mangroves at Nagla village, along the Vasai creek, has been witnessing debris dumping on the mudflats for nearly a year now. The area is another addition to the long spread of mangroves being reclaimed around Ghodbunder Road and Vasai creek since 2005.

In another case, Dahisar (E) residents have registered a case of dumping by an unidentified truck on a plot next to the mangroves. Residents working for mangroves said the dumping is being done right next to the mangroves.

At Nagla village, near the creek, unidentified trucks have been dumping debris on mudflats for several months. Mudflats are located along mangroves and are important for coastal ecology and retention of water in mangroves. They are protected areas under the Wetland Rule, 2010. According to Stalin D, environmentalist and project director at Vanashakti, the entire stretch of mudflats has been reclaimed by dumping, thereby destroying the mangroves. "The mangroves and mudflats are buried under the debris and have been destroyed. This demands serious action against the offenders," said Stalin.

Vanashakti had intimated the environment secretary through a letter earlier this month, asking for immediate attention. "This is a violation of CRZ norms and Wetland Rules, 2010 and we look forward to your department to take concrete steps," said the letter, whose reply is still awaited. As per CRZ norms, mangroves are protected under CRZ-I and no construction or dumping is allowed around them. TOI tried to contact environment secretary Valsa Nair, but she did not respond to calls or messages.

Since 2005, Thane's Ghodbunder stretch has been a hotbed of reclamation and dumping. Those fighting to save mangroves say no action has been taken despite numerous complaints. The entire mangrove stretch, starting from Owala village on Ghodbunder Road is filled with debris. Large-scale construction activity has also been taking place on the road that begins from Versova and a road and resort have already come up.

On February 12, residents of Anand Nagar, Dahisar, filed a complaint with the police and forest department against an unidentified truck that dumped debris on a private plot. A complainant, Harish Pandey, said debris has been dumped right next to the mangroves, which flank the plot. "This is in violation of laws," said Pandey. Forest department officials inspected the site and are trying to find the plot owner. "The owner apparently doesn't live here and the land is under disputeThe debris is close to the mangroves but we are waiting to find out who is the actual culprit," said a forest official who inspected the site.