Despite High Court orders, large-scale mangrove cutting is taking place in neighbouring Mira-Bhayander and suburban Versova, the Bombay Environmental Action Group, an NGO, alleged today.


The Bombay High Court had, on a PIL filed by BEAG, passed an order in 2005 banning cutting of mangroves all over the state. However, BEAG lawyer today told division bench of Justices J N Patel and K K Tated that mangroves were being destroyed with impunity in suburban Versova and neighbouring Mira Bhayander.
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The BEAG team has alleged in its inspection report that an artificial beach was being developed at Jesal Park in Bhayander East by getting rid of mangrove pockets.


Similarly, mangroves were being destroyed in RNP and SNP college areas also by diversion of sea-water and garbage dumping, the report said. Unauthorised hutments on mangrove lands have been given electricity connections by local corporations, the BEAG report stated.


In one case, Mira Bhayander Corporation itself is dumping garbage on mangrove plots, it alleged. Also in suburban Versova, construction debris were slowly killing mangroves behind the Richie Rich Cold Storage facility, the report said.


However the court asked BEAG to file a separate application, putting the allegations on affidavit. The application will be filed next week.

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