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The Maharashtra government's Mangrove Cell has issued directives for the restoration of mangroves at two locations in Mumbai's Borivali area after site inspections revealed unauthorized reclamation of protected coastal zones. The order comes after officials discovered illegal encroachments, debris dumping, and construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas.
Officials from the forest and revenue departments, along with representatives from the Mangrove Cell and local administration, conducted separate surveys at Chikuwadi and Eksar villages in Borivali West following complaints of encroachments in protected green zones.
Film Sets and Unauthorized Construction at Chikuwadi
The first inspection was carried out on April 11 in response to a complaint filed by former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who accompanied officials during the survey of land parcels at Chikuwadi. The inspection team found evidence of encroachment, landfilling, and unauthorized use of green zone land for film shooting and construction of temporary film sets without proper approvals.
According to the order, the inspected area was located within 50 metres of the mangrove zone as marked in the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) maps from 2005 and 2018. These maps confirmed the previous existence of mangroves and mudflats in the concerned regions.
Officials cited violations under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and recommended the removal of unauthorized structures and restoration of the affected sites. The report has been submitted to senior authorities for further legal action.
Massive Reclamation Discovered at Eksar Village
In a second inspection conducted last week at Eksar village, officials examined two private plots following complaints from residents regarding alleged land reclamation. The complaint, filed by Somaiya with the Mumbai Suburban Collector, alleged that approximately 30 acres of mangrove buffer zone had been illegally reclaimed through the dumping of debris.
The collector's office submitted a report stating that the first plot, owned by a private developer, was surrounded by tin sheets and filled with debris to reclaim the land. Satellite imagery and maps from 2005 and 2018 showed the presence of mangroves and mudflats, confirming that the plot falls within the designated 50-metre buffer zone. Investigators found that mangroves in the area had been removed.
High-Profile Developer Implicated in Environmental Violations
The second plot was also found to have been reclaimed using mud, murum, and debris. Mangroves at this location were similarly affected. According to the order, this plot is owned by Niranjan Lakhumal Hiranandani, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai.
The Mangrove Cell has recommended a detailed inquiry under the Environment (Protection) Act by the state environment department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Officials have also been advised to register appropriate offences under relevant environmental regulations. Both reports have been forwarded to the concerned departments for further examination and enforcement measures.
Mumbai's Ecological Treasures Worth Exploring
Mumbai's mangroves play a crucial ecological role in the city's ecosystem. The Vikhroli mangroves cover an area of 2000 hectares and are home to more than 16 mangrove species, 82 butterfly species, 208 bird species, 13 crab species, 7 prawn species, 20 fish species, and several mammals. Similarly, the Airoli mangroves spread over 1690 hectares and are visited by over 50,000 flamingoes annually.
These "natural coast guards," as they are often called, provide essential ecological services to Mumbai, including protection against coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding. They also serve as crucial breeding grounds for marine life and help in carbon sequestration, making them vital in the fight against climate change.
What This Means for Eco-Tourists and Local Residents
Local environmental activists have long advocated for stricter enforcement of regulations protecting these valuable ecosystems, especially as Mumbai continues to face development pressures. The recent action by authorities signals a renewed commitment to preserving the city's remaining mangrove forests for future generations.
For travelers interested in eco-tourism, Mumbai's mangrove forests represent one of the city's hidden natural treasures-a stark contrast to its bustling urban landscape and a reminder of the delicate balance between development and conservation in India's financial capital.
Input from PTI
