Thane: Shocking to see illegal reclamation of Waldhuni river, says environmentalist

Part of the Waldhuni river bed has been reclaimed

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is not the only place facing a threat; it has come to light that rivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are not safe either. Illegal reclamation of river floodplain, river bed and illegal constructions are currently underway in Waldhuni river. Director of NGO Vanashakti Stalin D has written a letter to Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, MPCB-Kalyan, principal secretary of environment department of Maharashtra, and chief secretary of the state.

Environmentalist Stalin D said, "It is really shocking to see that illegal reclamation of river floodplain, river bed and illegal constructions are currently underway in Waldhuni river. Trees have been cut, debris has been dumped into the riverside and huge commercial galas and godowns are being built. The site is at Ulhasnagar number 3 area. We have attached geo-tagged images of the site along with a video so that the authorities can look into the same."

Debris dumped along the stretch of Waldhuni river

He said the Supreme Court is monitoring the case of pollution of Ulhas-Waldhuni rivers. "Despite this, we are dismayed to see that untreated effluent and sewage is being released in enormous quantities into the river. The stench and toxic odour prevail along the stretch of the river. The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation seems to be in slumber, and despite being a party in the court case, it has chosen to allow the violations to continue."

The environmentalist said they would seek action against officials who have encouraged these violations.

"We urge you to immediately act to restore the natural state of the riverside, river bed. We urge you to initiate criminal prosecution against the violators without being bothered by the political clout of the persons involved," Stalin said in his complaint. In its reply to Stalin, the MPCB said, "As per your communication regarding new construction on the bank of Waldhuni river, this office has forwarded email to UMC for necessary follow up and action."