Green experts fume over debris dumped in Ulhas Estuary wetlands

Massive dumping of construction waste at Mumbra Retibunder on the coastal wetlands of Ulhas Estuary has angered many environmentalists, who have alleged that it is not only in violation of the Bombay High Court's orders but will also affect the mudflat ecology.

The site, which was freed from sand mining by Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), is in the process of being converted into a chowpatty to provide citizens with a recreation space. However, officials from TMC have denied dumping any debris.

Vanashakti director (conservation), Stalin D, who has written a complaint to the Thane collector, state environment department as well as mangrove cell said that they were were shocked to see debris and construction waste being dumped in over a kilometre of coastal wetlands.

"The entire mudflats and sides of the estuary and mangrove areas has been reclaimed. This work is being done by the Thane Municipal Corporation under some smart city initiative. There is nothing smart in destroying coastal wetlands in contravention of the law," he said.

He said mudflats have a certain biodiversity and several birds feed there and the debris will impact it adversely and as per rules debris dumping in CRZ areas is also prohibited under the law and it only affects the marine life. "The recreation area can be made away from the high tide line (HTL) and wetlands, and if TMC officials have dumped debris, action needs to be taken."

However a senior official from TMC said, "We are not aware about the debris and have certainly not dumped it. However, we will carry out enquiry," he said.

Meanwhile Stalin claimed that its strange that someone dumps tonnes of debris where TMC is carrying out work and they are not even aware of it. "TMC officials need to remove the debris as they are responsible and even carry out restoration," he said.