Mangrove hacking at Panje: Forest dept seeks explanation
MUMBAI: After a series of complaints alleging that mangrove trees were hacked at Panje in Uran, Navi Mumbai, between Wednesday and Friday, an inspection undertaken by the Maharashtra forest department confirmed that mangroves had been destroyed at the site.
On Saturday morning, the Uran range forest officer and his team visited areas where mangrove hacking was reported. It was identified that the land belonged to the City Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (Cidco) — the planning agency for Navi Mumbai — which had leased it to a private company.
“The RFO’S (range forest officer) inspection revealed 11-14 trees were damaged,” said Ashish Thakre, deputy conservator of forest (Alibag) adding, “Two separate letters have been issued. The first one is being sent to the Uran tehsildar (revenue officer) to initiate action in the matter as an offence under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the other to Cidco asking them to explain whether they are aware of the environmental violation.”
The revenue department said they will conduct their own site visit on Monday after receiving details from the forest department.
Destruction of mangroves or any activity, including reclamation, debris dumping or construction within 50 metres of mangroves, was banned by the Bombay high court in September 2018.
At Panje, local resident and birder Parag Gharat on Wednesday and Friday found mangrove trees chopped at the site. He had alleged at least 40 trees had been cut. Cidco officials said they were aware about the issue and had already drafted their response.
“We have spoken to the private company and will be asking the Uran tehsildar to book unidentified persons for hacking mangroves at the site. Though a security guard has been appointed by the private company, there are multiple entry points to this area,” said Pramod Patil, nodal officer (environment).