Lokayukta slams cops, BMC over destruction of mangroves
ML Tahaliyani’s report calls for the arrest of the owner of the land at Dahisar.
Lokayukta M L Tahaliyani has slammed the authorities for not preventing the destruction of mangroves and the creation of a landfill at Dahisar. Tahaliyani first visited the spot on May 13 after environmentalist Harish Pandey complained about the destruction of mangroves near the NL complex, Dahisar.
In his report, Tahaliyani said that mangroves had been destroyed on a large scale and that an FIR must be registered against those owning the property.
Tahaliyani said that if the developer of the land, Santosh Davne dumped the debris, he must be arrested under the Environmental Protection Act. Tahiliyani’s report also recommended that the statements of the vehicle’s drivers be taken and that the investigating officer must decide whether these drivers should be made into the co-accused. He also wants the dumper trucks and lorries to be seized and not returned without the permission of magistrate.
In a hearing on ay 20, Tahaliyani said there were two complaints— one in MHB colony and second in Dahisar. He visited the spot at Dahisar after the police informed him that the BMC had destroyed unauthorised structures and dug trenches so it was not possible to dump material at the spot.
Tahaliyani was accompanied by former corporator Shubha Raul, corporator Sheetal Mhatre, the local deputy commissioner, the assistant commissioner, the local assistant commissioner, the senior inspector of Dahisar, MHB colony, the local Tehsildar and the assistant conservator of forest (mangrove cell). “After the minutes of the Lokayukta meeting were released, one person was arrested,” said Harish Pandey.
Lokayukta M L Tahaliyani has slammed the authorities for not preventing the destruction of mangroves and the creation of a landfill at Dahisar. Tahaliyani first visited the spot on May 13 after environmentalist Harish Pandey complained about the destruction of mangroves near the NL complex, Dahisar.
In his report, Tahaliyani said that mangroves had been destroyed on a large scale and that an FIR must be registered against those owning the property.
Tahaliyani also mentioned how Reliance Energy had been granted an electricity connection at the deserted spot and told the police to investigate the matter and to visit the spot twice a day. Tahaliyani’s report also stated how several large containers had been turned into makeshift offices with air-conditioners being installed and that a few luxury buses were parked there. Tahiliyani’s report mentioned how ‘landfilling’ had been going on for months and that none of the authorities took preventative action.
Tahaliyani said that if the developer of the land, Santosh Davne dumped the debris, he must be arrested under the Environmental Protection Act. Tahiliyani’s report also recommended that the statements of the vehicle’s drivers be taken and that the investigating officer must decide whether these drivers should be made into the co-accused. He also wants the dumper trucks and lorries to be seized and not returned without the permission of magistrate.
In a hearing on ay 20, Tahaliyani said there were two complaints— one in MHB colony and second in Dahisar. He visited the spot at Dahisar after the police informed him that the BMC had destroyed unauthorised structures and dug trenches so it was not possible to dump material at the spot.
Tahaliyani was accompanied by former corporator Shubha Raul, corporator Sheetal Mhatre, the local deputy commissioner, the assistant commissioner, the local assistant commissioner, the senior inspector of Dahisar, MHB colony, the local Tehsildar and the assistant conservator of forest (mangrove cell). “After the minutes of the Lokayukta meeting were released, one person was arrested,” said Harish Pandey.
