Mangroves dying a slow death

Almost all sections of mangroves spread across the city face an indigenous problem. Think of it...if those in power were to invest small but sustained efforts, there's no doubt that a lot can be done to save our mangroves.
It is no rocket science for the authorities to put their finger on the hitches. With the help of innumerable resources such as satellite images of mangroves captured over the years, available statistics, locals and activists acting as a treasure trove of first-hand information, Mumbai's mangroves can get a complete makeover.
Bandra's mangroves have been facing one colossal problem for a long time - debris dumping. The infamous hand-pulled carts found in most parts of Bandra and Khar; act as transporters of debris. Social activists and environmentalists have written to the H/West ward, on several occasions to act upon the insidious dumping activities. Though it's not hard to guess the kind of response they must have received from ward-- repeated complaints have fallen on deaf ears.

Anil Joseph, chairperson of Perry Road Resident's Association, shares, "I submitted a complaint to H/West ward in October 2013 and after that I had repeatedly called, messaged and emailed Prashant Sapkale, who was the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of this ward all these years."

Lately, many people have been complaining about the increasing volume of construction-related debris being dumped on the mangrove coastline at Bandra. Though it is crucial to get rid of the debris, the vital question that needs to be addressed is—who puts it here in the first place?

Chimbai beach
A bunch of people, mostly women, can be seen with hand-pulled carts in areas around Bandra and Khar. These people are known to collect debris from construction sites, homes and offices that are under renovation and other such places. For a measly sum, they don't mind dumping the debris in coastal areas closest to them, the mangroves at Chimbai village being their favourite spot.
Joseph adds, "I was once passing by and saw a woman with a hand-pulled cart full of debris and curiously asked her about it. She explained how she and other women in the area dump all the debris they collect, in to the seafront area of Chimbai village."

When dna west coast, visited the site it was in a mess; the debris had been dumped across vast portions of the mangroves. But that's not all! Two men were happily sitting in the shade of the battered mangroves. On enquiring, what they were doing on a protected area, one of them said, "Nothing, simply chilling".

Godfrey Pimenta, Trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, shared "The mangroves in the Bandra areas need much attention from the authorities as there is encroachment and debris dumping. It is high time that the authorities take some action."

N Vasudevan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, says, "I will look into the matter and will allot n officer to check the site soon. If this debris dumping is done in the mangrove portion and comes under our jurisdiction, we will take action."