Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused permission to the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation to remove mangroves on an area of 2, 85, 000 sq.m. in its jurisdiction.
A Division Bench of Justices V.M. Kanade and A.M. Badar was hearing a plea filed by the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) against the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s intention to destroy the mangroves in the area.
Civic body’s contention
The municipal corporation has said that garbage has accumulated near the mangroves, obstructing the free flow of water. It also said that many mangroves had overgrown, which was also affecting the flow of water. It said the mangroves were affecting civic work.
Earlier, the High Court had asked why the corporation couldn’t clean the debris and trim the mangroves instead of completely removing them.
‘Trim without damage’
Shreya Parikh, the advocate appearing for the Bombay Environmental Action Group, said the corporation has not mentioned the area where the mangroves were to be removed, and according to the BEAG the area total area is around 2,85,000 sq.m.
The High Court has directed the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation to start removing debris and garbage near the mangroves and to trim them without causing any damage.
The court has also said that if mangroves are required to be removed, the civic body will have to earmark the area, prepare a report about it, and submit it by June 12, so that the matter can be heard on June 13.
