A WIN FOR GREEN ACTIVISTS

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

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 (%)