‘Declare all mangrove lands in state as reserved forests’
HC ORDER The court was responding to multiple pleas filed by environmentalists MUMBAI:Mangrove
protection in Maharashtra got a boost on Monday as the Bombay high court (HC) said all mangroves in the state are to be declared as protected or reserved forests, including those on land belonging to planning authorities like the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA).
According to Monday’s judgment, mangroves across the state must be mapped every six months using satellites and all mangroves in Maharashtra will be identified as coastal regulation zone-I, including the 50-metre buffer zone for areas with more than 1,000 sq metres of mangroves. Destruction of mangroves and dumping of debris remains prohibited in these areas.
If mangroves are cut or destroyed, the state government must take action under section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Restoration activities have to be carried out immediately after action has been taken.
The court was hearing petitions filed to curb the destruction of mangroves. One of them was filed in 2004 by Debi Goenka, executive trustee of Conservation Action Trust, then known as Bombay Environment Action Group.
“This order strengthens mangrove protection in Maharashtra. It also ensures the state will implement it,” said Goenka, welcoming the order.
The state will issue a directive under section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act that all planning authorities will identify mangrove areas as mangroves, including the 50m buffer zone, in the state urban development department’s development plan (DP) and regional plans.
“Once it is shown in the DPs, there is no question for tampering. This however was misuse and tampering in the coastal zone management plan maps,” said All mangroves in Maharashtra are to be declared as protected forests or reserved forests, including Cidco and MMRDA land All mangroves are to be treated as coastal regulation zone-I (CRZ). If the area of mangrove patch is more than 1,000 metre square, the 50-metre buffer zone is to be treated as CRZ I
No construction or dumping will be allowed
Satellite mapping is to be carried out every six months Only compound wall can be constructed on the landward side of 50 metres for protection
Violators will be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act
In cases where mangroves have been destroyed, restoration is to be carried out
In case of privately-owned mangroves, the state can exercise powers under the Private Forests Acquisition Act
The state will issue a directive under the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act to all planning authorities, requiring them to mark the mangroves and the 50-metre
MAHARASHTRA’S MANGROVE COVER
buffer zone in the Development Plans and regional plans
CCTV cameras are to be installed in vulnerable areas. Police and private guards also to protect mangroves reserved mangrove forest areas in Maharashtra in 2016
Approximately
of mangrove land comprises private forests that are yet to gain protected status In state, mangroves are found along 320 sqkm of coastline, covering 53 creeks and seashore
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 records the change in mangrove cover across the state
Mangrove cover in 2015 (in sq km) Mangrove cover in 2017 (in sq km) Percentage increase in mangrove cover (%) Mumbai (suburban) Thane Raigad Maharashtra
(Source: India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 prepared by the Forest Survey of India) Goenka.
“The court also directed that CCTV cameras to be installed in vulnerable areas. Compound wall can be constructed on the landward side of 50 metres of mangrove areas, and police and private guards can protect mangroves as well.”