The Maharashtra Mangrove cell clear encroachments from the wetlands demolished 1,767 structures. These structures comprised of commercial and residential structures, crematoriums, garages, parking areas and temples. The encroachment clearing drive was a two-month movement which is yet to be finished. Since April, the cell was held out demolition drives in Ghatkopar, Malad-Malwani, Cheetah Camp in Trombay, Kandivali, Chikuwadi, Mahin and Vikhroli.
The authorities had seized more than 56 vehicles, 17 people were detained and more than Rs 5.6 lakh had been collected as fined for violation of rules. The encroachers had illegally built bunds to stop the flow of water, as result, the trees died. The concerned authorities have now constructed trenches to bring back the flow of water.
The additional principal chief conservator of forest state mangrove cell- N.Vasudevan said, “This has been one of the most effective demolition drives in Mumbai in the past few years. Of the nine locations where encroachments were identified, seven have been cleared of them. The encroachment at Wadala will be cleared soon while the one at Colaba will be razed after the monsoon.”
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Mangrove cell official said the cleared areas were being fenced.“The trenches have been built in such a manner that it will be impossible to construct loose structures on them. Apart from regular patrolling, we have also begun fencing mangroves in Trombay(an eastern suburb in Mumbai),” said Makarand Ghodke, assistant conservator of forest, state mangrove cell.
The arrested people are a part of the land mafia, who illegally constructed on these wetlands. They are under the judicial custody now. Such violations were an offence under the Environment Protection Act, 1968 and have been given protection under category 1 of the Coastal Zone Regulation, 1991.
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