Two temples razed in dawn-to-dusk drive to reclaim mangrove land

The state mangrove cell on Wednesday cracked the whip on illegal encroachments on reserve forestland, tearing down illegal structures including two temples at Charkop in Kandivli and vacating a three-hectare plot.

Makarand Ghodke, assistant conservator of forests, said 180 unauthorised constructions, including two temples and two cow sheds, were razed at Sai Dham Nagar between 10 am and 7 pm.

"This has been one of the most notorious areas in terms of encroachments on mangrove land. We have been carrying out demolitions here for almost two years. We had a total 14 staffers from the mangrove cell and seven members from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation," he said.

To ensure that the land remains unencroached, the staff will dig trenches along the vacated land. "The trenches will ensure that encroachers don't return to the spot. It will also help tide water to enter the land. 

Since mangroves need tide water to survive, it can help rejuvenate the trees once the flow is restored," said Ghodke.

Officials from the cell said it was a sensitive operation due to the presence of the two temples, but "since we had sent out notices and clear instructions, there was no law and order situation".

The demolition marks the start of a citywide drive to pull down encroachments over mangrove land. "It will go on till May 31," Ghodke said.

Activist Mili Shetty said the drive would be successful only if the hutments do not crop up again.