Stalin said that they have decided to take the matter to High Court and also urged that the state should form a committee of experts to survey the area near INS Hamla and study the destruction of the wetlands.
Up in arms against fresh dumping being carried to reclaim a pond near INS Hamla at Malad, activists have decided to approach High Court and have lodged complaints with the Konkan Commissioner.
"I had visited the pond recently and spoke to Brig.(Retd) FJ D'Lima who has been leading the fight against the reclamation. He alerted me about fresh dumping to reclaim the water body despite earlier complaints," said Stalin D, Member of Wetland Protection Committee formed by Maharashtra State Government. Stalin added that the reclamation is a violation of the Bombay High Court orders.
Stalin said that they have decided to take the matter to High Court and also urged that the state should form a committee of experts to survey the area near INS Hamla and study the destruction of the wetlands.
Meanwhile Naval spokesperson Cdr Rahul Sinha said, "The area turns into slushy muddy ground and dries up post monsoons. It is not listed as a water body under the lists promulgated by Ministry of Environment and does not constitute a stream under Water Act as is being claimed," he said adding that the temporary stagnant water on defence land is a considerable health hazard and is not used for fresh water supply and the Unit is the appropriate authority which has the right to construct improve or maintain the said area.
Speaking about the complaints being made, Sinha said, "
"Wetland policy clearly specifies that even man made ponds are to be treated as wetlands and already Maharashtra wetland survey was underway. Also dumping is carried out specifically during weekends and nights and if INS Hamla authorities think that they have right to reclaim the pond they should put up a board and do it openly," Stalin said adding that the pond attracts migratory birds.
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