Maharashtra government orders probe into destruction of BKC mangroves

It took only 14 days, but the state government is taking serious cognisance of the issue raised by mid-day about the destruction of mangroves near BKC, right under the Mangroves Cell's nose, and asked its high-level monitoring committee to look into the issue.

Also read - Mumbai: Dharavi slums eating into mangrove forest, and no one knows how

The mangrove cover at Dharavi is being encroached upon at an unprecedented rate. Pic/Sameer Markande

"We have taken note of the article published in mid-day, and a letter, along with a clipping of the story, has been sent to the concerned authorities - including the officials of the Mangroves Cell responsible for protection of mangroves in Mumbai and suburban Mumbai - to take appropriate action," reads the letter from the office of Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) of the Maharashtra government. A copy of the letter was also sent to mid-day.

Who constitutes the committee?
The high-level monitoring committee - formed following a high court order to look into the various complaints related to the destruction of mangroves - is headed by the Konkan divisional commissioner. It also comprises chief conservator of forest (Mangroves Cell), divisional forest officer (Mangroves Conservation) along with the members nominated by MMRDA, BMC, Mumbai Police Commissioner's office and MPCB office.

The committee also includes an environmental activist and a member from an NGO as nominated by the divisional commissioner. The committee was constituted on October 13, 2016.

"We will be looking into the allegations regarding the destruction of mangroves near Dharavi and the Mangroves Cell will prepare a report after doing the survey which will be submitted to the committee. It will then review and submit it to the state for further action," said an official from the forest department, on condition of anonymity.

Cover blown
On October 17, mid-day's story highlighted how illegal structures have been steadily destroying the mangrove cover near Dharavi for the past two years.

It also pointed out categorically that this mangrove patch in Dharavi is not just a critical habitat for several species, but is also a crucial protective barrier from flash floods during heavy rainfall.

1,200 sq m
Forest cover wiped out over the past year