The mangrove wetland centre, being developed on 452 hectares at Bhandup is a unique ecological experiment in the country and probably the largest in the world.
The Mangrove Wetland Centre project undertaken by the state forest department and Conservation Action Trust (CAT) at Bhandup is facing hurdles.
Encroachments and illegal excavation on site has threatened the project’s future. The mangrove wetland centre, being developed on 452 hectares at Bhandup is a unique ecological experiment in the country and probably the largest in the world.
Bhandup resident Stalin Dayanand, who is associated with CAT, spotted illegal excavation at one of the 22 ponds on January 18. “I saw a group of people excavating and draining water from one of the ponds,” said Dayanand.
Later Dayanand lodged a complaint against Moreshwar Koli who had managed to bring in a JCB to level the ground and conduct excavation. But Dayanand claimed no action has been taken against Koli since the last three days. “It is standard practice to carry out illegal activities on Sundays since government offices are closed and miscreants feel they can get away with their act,” said Dayanand.
Occupants of the saltpan land in the area are trying to stall the project since its inauguration in March 2008. “Water from one of the ponds was drained out to disperse birds coming there and kill the mangroves eventually,” claimed Dayanand.
Authorities have assured prompt action. “We have received the complaint and action in accordance with the Bombay high court order will be taken,” said Thane chief conservator of forests Shri Bhagwan.
The centre, built on the lines of Hong Kong Wetland Centre, will have a state-of-the-art visitor centre, information hubs, nature trails, bird ponds, boat rides and curriculum-based education modules and exhibits for children.
Annually 1.5 million migratory birds visit the area and the existence of over 200 species has been recorded in the area. The concept of the Mangrove Wetland Centre was conceived in 2001 by CAT.
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