Govt officials conduct joint inspection of Nerul wetlands and mangroves after activists raise concerns

Navi Mumbai witnessed a significant development as a team of government officials embarked on a comprehensive inspection of the Nerul wetlands and mangroves, responding to mounting concerns raised by activists regarding environmental damage in the area. The joint inspection, conducted on Monday, saw representatives from various departments including the Tehsil office, CIDCO, NMMC, forest, Mangroves, and Police departments coming together to assess the situation.

Activists, including prominent figures like Social activist Sunil Agarwal and Advocate Pradeep Patole, have been vocal in their concerns over the extensive damage inflicted upon the wetland ecosystem by encroachers and ongoing construction activities. One of the key complaints raised by activists pertained to the obstruction of intertidal water flow into the Nerul Wetland, leading to its degradation. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of fencing around construction sites adjacent to the mangrove belt, posing further threats to the fragile ecosystem.

“The visit aimed to address the multiple complaints regarding the damage inflicted upon the mangroves and wetlands of Nerul,” stated an official involved in the inspection. “There are deliberate attempts to disrupt the natural habitat, including efforts to dry up the lake and interfere with the flamingos by obstructing water flow. Furthermore, during the construction of the 9 PBR project, adequate measures to protect the mangroves were not implemented.”

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the municipal body had taken corrective action by removing solar lights that were disturbing the vision of the flamingos. Additionally, efforts were made to clear debris dumped on the mangroves of the TS Chanakaya Wetland, signalling a proactive stance towards environmental conservation. Thane Tahsildar Dinesh Paithankar, after the inspection, directed Circle officer Suresh Rokade to initiate legal action against landholders responsible for the destruction of mangroves in the area.

The joint inspection underscores the collective commitment of government authorities and activists alike towards preserving the ecological integrity of Nerul wetlands and mangroves, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding natural habitats for future generations.