Red flag for green zone

Mangroves are synonymous with Mumbai as the city's suburbs are bordered by a long, winding coastline that is blessed with it. Unfortunately, the depleting state of these mangroves is also synonymous with Mumbai. Since this much-needed green cover has been in the eye of the storm for many reasons, dna westcoast has started a green series, wherein we will take up the problems associated with mangroves with the respective authorities, hoping that they will take appropriate action.

With property rates skyrocketing in Mumbai, people with vested interests have been eyeing the mangrove portion in different parts of the city. Money makers are aware of how reclamation of such properties can transform them into a gold mine. Hence, there will always be a looming threat for the mangroves. For a clustered city like Mumbai, where land rates are given more importance; maintaining and protecting mangroves is now paramount.

This suburban area is a living example of the urban-enviro development conflict. The Oshiwara-Lokhandwala stretch has a long stretch of mangroves, most of it is in a good state; and this belt has been maintained well in the last one decade. However, a nagging issue has been existing for a very long time-a dumping ground. A transit garbage dump was created back in July 2001, much to the dismay of locals and activist alike.

Sumesh Lekhi of Oshiwara-Lokhandwala Citizen Association shares, "This transit dumping ground is a futile exercise as the garbage can be taken directly to the main city garbage dump."

Dr Chandrakant Jain, another Lokhandwala-based activist says, "The garbage in this place needs to be taken out from here every 3-4 days but it doesn't happen." A lot of activists believe that in most of the cases there's a modus operandi. It is usually believed that few interested parties in the name of dumping ground, beautification etc, allegedly encroach these eco-sensitive areas. After few years, the mangroves are eaten up and voila, more land up for grabs!

The damage done by the dumping ground is not just limited to its boundaries. A 500-metre path passes alongside the mangroves leading into the transit dumping ground on the Lokhandwala Back Road. On this path, one can see numerous polythene bags and other forms of toxic plastic entangled in the aerial roots of the mangroves. This happens due to the low height of the dumping ground's boundary walls. The oceanic breeze causes plastic bags and other garbage to fly over the ground's wall and into the mangroves. Add to that, debris is also dumped on the path.

Rishi Agarwal, Oshiwara-based environmentalist activist, says, "The dump has been here since July 2001 and I had complained about it in the same year to the ward. However, no action had been taken. Fortunately, contrary to popular belief, the area of this dump yard has not increased."

N Vasudevan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, explains, "Post 2005, we have done a mapping for the mangroves, which gives us an understanding of the forest stretch. This particular stretch of mangroves is privately owned and so is not under our jurisdiction. Though it's a mangrove area, we can't initiative any kind of action as we don't have the right over it. However, the civic body has the right to do so. They can raise the boundary of the dump ground as well as cleaning of the mangrove roots."

Sanjay Deshmukh, Additional Commissioner with the BMC, says, "I am aware about the issue and the transit dump yard's boundary needs to be raised as well as the cleaning up of mangroves needs to be done. I have plans to discuss it with the newly appointed Assistant Municipal Commissioner Parag Masurkar of K/West ward. I will soon start the coordinating part."

- Stalin D, the renowned conservationist simplifies for the readers, why mangroves are necessary!

"Mangroves are nature's barrier or protective shield against rising tides and storms. They hold the coastal soil firmly and create lands of great ecological value.They protect against soil erosion and land loss. Mangroves help reduce the toxins in the saline zones and provide for an eternal never ending supply of potable water. Mangroves provide livelihoods for coastal communities by increasing the population of fish and crab growth. The dead or dried wood also provides cooking fuel for coastal communities .Mangroves are home to rare species of birds and other fauna."