There is a large mangrove area near the 90 feet road at Malvani, Malad, adjacent to the Tata Power House. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s alleged cut down around 500 mangrove trees in one night imposing a threat to the city's environment. This destructive act has enraged the locals. Residents are claiming that the civic body is responsible for the destruction, expressing concern over illegal land encroachment and environmental degradation.
The area comprising about eight acres of land is divided into four acres of open space and the remaining four acres are of mangroves. Akash Barskar, who raised his voice to save the mangroves, has repeatedly raised this issue before the authorities. They have written letters to the ward office Malvani police, mangrove department, local politicians and demanded action against this slaughter.
This land is of great ecological importance. Because mangroves not only protect the coastline from erosion but are also important for the habitat of various species. Historically, the area around Saidham Mandir Seva Mandal was a stretch of open land filled with sea water. Over time, mangroves grew naturally to form a green belt of mangroves.
However, Barskar alleged that illegal encroachments have wreaked havoc on the land for years. “The temple has been there for more than fifty years. Also, due to the open land around, mangroves gradually took root there. But now encroachment is increasing. Despite our repeated efforts, little effort has been taken by the administration to protect this important land,” said Barskar.
“Our temple has managed this plot since 1988 with legal ownership. We have all relevant documents including trust registration agreement and other official records. Malad has very little open land left and this terrain is both ecologically and socially important. We were told that the land has been transferred to the municipal corporation for the STP project, but what we are seeing on the ground is destruction, not development,” Barskar added.
“First they counted the mangroves, then axed them at night under the guise of permission. By morning, the trees and all evidence of their destruction were gone. If this project is legitimate, why is it being implemented in such a secret manner? Why don't they work during the day?" asked Barskar.
This area comes under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Despite the protection, residents claim how 500 to 700 trees were felled in just one night.
When locals demanded to see the court and forest department permission documents for the project, they were pelted with stones. “They are not showing us any valid documents. When we asked the police, municipality and forest department for clarification, they pointed fingers at each other. It is clear that something illegal is going on here,” said Barskar.
The degradation of mangroves has disturbed the local community. A resident of P North Ward, lamenting the environmental impact, said, “We have been trying for years to protect nature, plant trees and fight pollution. But what is the use if the authorities are cutting the trees? These mangroves are not only home to trees but also to numerous species of birds, insects and marine life. To destroy them is to destroy the natural defenses of the city.”
In response, the Assistant Commissioner of P North Ward has said, "If any such project is underway, we do not start the work without necessary permission."