Mumbai’s environmental advocates are raising alarms following reports of significant mangrove destruction in Malad. Allegations suggest that nearly 500 mangrove trees were felled overnight near 90 ft Road, Malwani, adjacent to the Tata Power House. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implicated in this controversy, with accusations pointing towards illegal encroachment and environmental damage.
The area under scrutiny covers approximately eight acres, split evenly between open space and mangrove forest. Local advocate Akash Baraskar, a staunch supporter of mangrove preservation, has repeatedly addressed the issue to multiple authorities, including the BMC ward office, the Malvani police, the Mangrove Department, and local politicians. His efforts, however, seem to have yielded little action, prompting a deeper investigation into the alleged destruction. Historically, the land around the Saidham Seva Mandal temple was characterised by its occasional seawater inundation, which led to the natural growth of mangroves over time. These mangroves serve a critical role in coastal protection and wildlife habitat.
Despite this, Baraskar and other activists argue that illegal encroachments have been a persistent issue, exacerbating the vulnerability of this green belt. Baraskar claims that the destruction of these mangroves has been conducted under the cover of night, with mature Jamun and coconut trees being marked and cut down stealthily. The activists were reportedly misled with a bogus interim application number when they sought to verify permissions from the BMC and Forest Department. This lack of transparency has fuelled suspicions of misconduct.
Compounding the issue is the fact that this area falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which imposes stringent restrictions on development near mangroves. Despite these regulations, the rapid and extensive removal of trees has raised serious questions about the project’s legitimacy and adherence to environmental laws. The BMC has reportedly erected a boundary around the cleared land, further fuelling concerns about the project’s transparency. Residents are distraught over the loss of the mangroves, emphasising their role in protecting the city’s natural defences and supporting diverse wildlife. One resident from P North Ward expressed frustration over the apparent disregard for environmental preservation efforts, highlighting the contradiction of authorities contributing to ecological damage while residents strive to protect nature.
