Mumbai based NGO Vanashakti has highlighted the dumping of untreated mixed waste and the blocking of intertidal water flow to the mangroves near Alibag’s Mandwa Jetty. The NGO has written a letter to the Raigad District Collector as well as the Forest Department’s Mangrove Cell detailing the violations.
The NGO has also alleged that permanent structures have been constructed on the Alibag shorefront which is a violation of the CRZ (coastal regulatory zone) rules.
Read - Environmentalists Warn Of Flood Risk Due To Landfilling Near Mithi River At Aarey
“The site in question is about a kilometre away from Mandwa jetty. Solid waste (non-biodegradable and mixed) is being dumped on mangroves and a garbage dumping ground is being created,” D Stalin, director of the NGO Vanashakti wrote in the letter.
“Multiple sluice gates have been put in place that is preventing the flow of tidewater to the mangroves. Already, a large portion of the intertidal land was reclaimed for the cultivation of paddy, which is being used to set up resorts and cottages as the area dries up,” he added.
Also read - Environmentalist Uncovers Unauthorized Sewage Dumping Into Salt Lakes In Bhandup
“The purpose of installing sluice gates is only to prevent high tide ingress during episodes of heavy rain or during cyclones. By shutting the flow of tidewater, there is heavy siltation in the water channel. It will cause waterlogging in the landward areas during the upcoming monsoon,” Stalin said about the blockage of water flow to the mangroves.
Read - Maharashtra Heading Towards Complete Lockdown, Guidelines To Be Released Soon: Aslam Shaikh
Share
Tweet
