Activists and environmentalists write to CM, HC-appointed body, send photographic evidence; allege this is the second instance in less than 2 months
Mangrove destruction on at Karanja Jetty
A Five-acre mangrove patch at Karanja Jetty in Raigad district is being subjected to massive reclamation, alleged environmentalists. They said this is the second such incident in less than two months in the area.
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NGO NatConnect Foundation has complained to the chief minister and the High Court-appointed Mangrove Protection and Conservation Committee. Activists have also sent photographic evidence.
“Mangrove destruction is not acceptable because it violates the Environmental Clearance,” said NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar, who recently obtained a copy of the clearance through RTI, and added the EC states that there should not be any construction in mangrove patches and that there must be a 50-metre buffer zone between any construction and mangroves.
Nandakumar Pawar, head of Shri Ekvira Pratishthan, said the jetty authorities do not seem to have any respect for nature. Citing that mangroves not only protect the coast but also serve as breeding ground for a variety of fish and crabs, Pawar said, “The jetty has finished the source of livelihood for the fishing community.” He added that the destruction of mangroves was still on.
In a press release, NatConnect Foundation alleged that in the last week of September, the Karanja Terminal was involved in a controversy over the destruction of stretches of mangroves within its premises and dumping the chopped plants mid-sea.
Uran Samajik Sanstha Chairman Sudhakar Patil and others had complained to the Uran Tehsildar about it. “The tehsildar ordered an inspection following which an FIR has been registered. But the FIR is filed against unidentified people whereas the violation has taken place under the secured area of Karanja Terminal; the officials of the terminal must be booked,” Patil said.
“Despite the state Environment Department asking the Raigad District Collector and the district coastal zone committee to check mangrove destruction, violations are still taking place,” Kumar said.
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