Activist raises alarm over mangrove-killing in Kharghar, Kamothe

Debris in the mangroves of Kamothe’s Sector 36

A Navi Mumbai-based activist has raised an alarm over attempts to kill mangroves in the city by blocking tidal water with debris in Kamothe. Environmentalist Sunil Agarwal has complained about the same to the state's Mangroves Cell and other departments concerned. He has also shared pictures of mangroves along with GPS coordinates.

Agarwal said, "This is fragmenting of the mangroves. In general, there is heavy fragmentation of mangroves between Sector 10 in Kharghar and Sector 36 in Kamothe. I am also attaching pictures of debris and waste destroying mangroves. I appeal to the authorities to save the mangroves from further fragmentation and destruction in Navi Mumbai and Raigad."

Agarwal has, time and again, highlighted the systematic destruction of mangroves in Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas.

Mangroves play a vital role in the ecosystem as they are the first line of defence against floods. They are nurseries for marine animals. They can grow in waters with salinity and filter and decompose sewage waste which would otherwise enter the sea directly. They are also the food and habitat for many species including fishes, reptiles, amphibians and beautiful birds and play an important role as carbon sinks.