In fact, the MbPT has constructed a fencing (see pic) and will be putting a manual barricade to stop tankers from parking.
Naturalists and bird lovers, who have been regularly making rounds to Sewri Jetty for bird watching, demand that after successfully stopping parking of tankers on the road leading towards the jetty, authorities should now initiate the restoration of mangroves by taking up mangrove plantation in the area. It was after dna highlighted the threat to mangroves from oil spill that had affected a 30-40 metre patch, officials from the Mangrove Cell, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) visited the site and decided to file a police case and prohibit parking of oil tankers on the road.
In fact, the MbPT has constructed a fencing (see pic) and will be putting a manual barricade to stop tankers from parking. Naturalist Anand Pendharkar, who visited the jetty for bird watching on Saturday, said that while the quick action by authorities was appreciable, the bigger question was about the future of mangroves in that area. "Mangroves have been seriously affected. The oil and debris in that patch needs to be cleared and mangrove plantation should be carried out," said Pendharkar adding that while normally hundreds of Mudskippers are seen in the mudflats close to the jetty, on Saturday, they just saw just a few, which indicated pollution was affecting them. The number of several other species like the Fiddler crabs has shrunk.
Pradip Patade, a marine life enthusiast, who brought the issue to the notice of the authorities, said: "The oil is still affecting the mangroves and it's a serious issue. Also, we have to completely get the entire stretch along the road leading to the jetty cleaned of all the refuse and junk boats and ensure that in the next few years there is thick mangroves patch."
Sewri mudflats are an important habitat for several migratory birds including Flamingos, which annually arrive at Sewri jetty. This area has been declared as Important Bird Area (IBA). An official from the Mangrove Cell said, "We have asked MbPT to work on restoration plans of mangroves and we can also help citizens or any birding community if they want to plan a mangrove plantation drive in this area."
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