Navi Mumbai: The city environment has filed an urgent complaint with Maharashtra Forest Mangrove Cells and the Mangrove Protection Panel of the High Court appointed by Bombay about illegal cuts of a large number of green mangrove forests along Jetty Karanja in Uran.
Some mangrove forests that are hacked are seen thrown into the sea when income and forest officials along with activists check the site on Wednesday.
Environmental lovers are in hugs of the destruction of these massive mangroves and therefore, request high-level investigations by state authorities.
Chopped mangroves dumped into the sea “This is a serious problem and calls for a high-level investigation because the broad stretch has been cleaned from mangroves,” said BN Kumar, Director of the Natconnect Foundation.
He sent photographs of damage to the mangrove panel.
Chairman of Uran Sampaik Sansha Sudhakar Patil said at least seven major bundles of mangrove forests have been thrown away at sea.
“We have raised our voices against TPA which affects the flow of river water and fish availability,” he said.
According to the Karanja terminal website, this site is operated by Mercantile Ports and Logistics (MPL) which was established to develop, own and operate port and logistics facilities in India.
Uran Tehsildar Bhausahb Andhare ordered a shared inspection from the site by forest officials and income, following this complaint.
Inspection reports will be sent immediately, said Range Forest Officer Sashankank Kadam.
Patil points to that bald patch along Karanja Beach can be seen at this time, because mangroves have been cleaned illegally.
“This joint inspection seems to be an eyewash and even in the case of recent mangrove destruction, cases have been submitted against unknown people who have no meaning,” argue nandakumar pawar, Head of Shri Ekvira Aai Prathathan (SEAP).
“This is why we urge for high-level independent investigations,” Kumar said.
In this context, both Kumar and Pawar have asked the state government to immediately move all mangrove forests and other parts of Raigad Regency to the Ministry of Forestry for Conservation in accordance with the September 2018 High Court orders.
“Until then, the destruction would continue because There is no authority to check the criminals, “Kumar said.
The destruction of mangroves has resulted in burial of fish-ancient fish where local fishing communities survive, said Dilip Koli from Paaramarikar Machhimaar Bachao Kruti Samiti.