Who's Destroying Mangroves? Mumbai Residents Allege Government Apathy

Mumbai:

Residents of Mumbai's Versova have launched protests against the government, slamming what they say is illegal dumping of garbage and construction debris in mangroves around the area.

Angry residents say they want action to be taken against those responsible.

"Within two days, they put about 50 trucks of debris here. It is the builder's conspiracy because nobody else would be able to do it. It is also not possible unless the police and the local system are involved. Putting debris on mangroves and water bodies is a big crime," said Ashoke Pandit, a filmmaker who resides in the area.

Residents say they also have to bear the brunt of what follows after acres of mangroves are razed to the ground.

"They burn these mangroves in the night and sometimes the smoke is so thick that your eyes start burning and people cannot breathe. All these things are happening here in front of us," said Shashi Ranjan, another resident.

Locals allege the mangroves have deliberately been destroyed to grab land for construction activities.

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Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray tweeted urging the State Environment Minister to take action.
Mumbai Municipal Corporation Standing Committee Chairman Shailesh Phanse said, "Once the collector asks the BMC officials to look into the matter, we will be able to solve this problem. The BMC will instantly take action after the orders from the collector."

From Sewri to Versova, unchecked dumping of garbage and debris in residential areas, water bodies and mangroves is not just impacting people but the bio-diversity as well, residents allege.

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Residents say the illegal operation starts by blocking water to the mangroves, destroying them quietly and thrives due to an old nexus between the civic officials and real estate developers.