25 December 2008

MUMBAI: In another instance of disappearing greens, a huge chunk of protectors of our coastline - mangroves - is at the threat of being wiped out.

Residents of the Borivli-Dahisar belt have alleged that large-scale environmental destruction is in progress in the No-Development Zone between Gorai creek and Kandarpada.

Residents in the area have been alleging for a long time that debris is dumped on the mangroves to cut off the supply of sea water coming to the ponds and trees during high tide. Once the ponds dry up, land is reclaimed and similarly, mangroves are destroyed by cutting the flow of sea water. This, according to residents, is a direct violation of a Bombay high court order, which prohibits any activity within 50 m of mangroves.

When this reporter visited the place on Wednesday, she saw that construction work was in progress at several places along the stretch. Many structures__ an illegal restaurant, garages, parking slots, small-scale workshops__have come up on the reclaimed land. "The dumping on mangroves and prawn cultivation ponds are being conducted at a quick pace. Right in the midst of mangroves, trucks make their way and the area is systematically filled. In fact, even small roads are being constructed to facilitate movement of trucks,'' Janata Dal vice-president Edwin Britto said. "Instead of taking action against this work, the BMC refuse to react despite regular complaints.''

This area falls under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and is a no-development zone. It is protected by the WildLife Protection Act, the Forest Conservation Act, Environmental Protection Act and other similar Acts and orders of the high court. Even the development plan (DP) of the BMC shows it as a no-development zone.

Three years ago, the high court banned any construction or dumping of garbage on mangrove lands in the state. The court also ordered satellite mapping of the coastline and reserving the mangrove plots as "protected forests''. "The staff who have allowed this rampant development should be held responsible. How come this sort of ecological imbalance be allowed?'' Britto asked.

According to old-timers, water used to flow out into the green area. "Now it gets regularly flooded during the monsoon. We are worried this may have a long term impact,'' said a resident.

Kishore Gajbhiye, additional municipal commissioner of the western suburbs, said he had ordered an inquiry into it. "The problem is that these activities take place in the night. They do not take the necessary permission. There is not enough machinery or even men to keep an eye. But once we track down the culprit, action will be taken,'' he said.

Source:  The Times of India