Mumbai: Illegal structures on mangrove land in Dahisar razed in massive drive

Over 100 illegal structures constructed on mangrove forest land at Ganpat Patil Nagar, Dahisar, were demolished

In a massive drive against illegal encroachments on mangrove forest land, the mangrove cell of the forest department has demolished over 100 structures at Ganpat Patil Nagar in Dahisar. Post 2005, many illegal structures had come up on the mangroves reserved forest area at Ganpat Patil Nagar. The action was taken over a period of three days that started on October 31.

Speaking to mid-day, Range Forest Officer Sachin Khune said, "The mangrove cell staff along with the help of the police, BMC staff and revenue department staff demolished 123 illegal structures that had come up on two hectares of reserved forest land." Before demolishing the illegal structures, a notice was issued a couple of months ago to those occupying these structures. "To ensure encroachments don't recur, we will be constructing a compound wall after obtaining necessary approvals. The work of restoring the mangrove forest will be undertaken in this clearing by planting mangroves," said Khune.

The mangroves cell of the forest department has been regularly taking action against illegal structures coming up on mangrove land in Mumbai and Mumbai metropolitan region. In the past, the mangrove cell had demolished illegal shanties built on land reclaimed by destroying mangroves in Navi Mumbai. The mangrove cell had also regained control over unauthorised crab and fish ponds created after hacking the vital tidal plants. Officials of the mangrove cell had then said that it had discovered the destruction of over 17,240 mangrove plants and usurping of about 3.88 hectares of forest land at Vashi and Turbhe. Time and again the city-based green activists have been highlighting the issue of illegal encroachments on forest and mangrove land.

The India State of Forest report for the year 2021 states that the mangroves cover in Maharashtra has increased from 320 sq km to 324 sq km but the Mumbai suburban mangrove cover has decreased by 1.08 sq km compared to last year. The forest Survey of India has been assessing the mangrove cover using remote sensing since 1987.

123
Structures razed