The Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) on Monday alleged that large-scale reclamation and mangrove destruction has occurred near Uran.
The Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) on Monday alleged that large-scale reclamation and mangrove destruction has occurred near Uran and authorities have ignored it for over two years now. The land has been allotted to Reliance for the Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone (NMSEZ), Private Limited.
Debi Goenka, member activist of BEAG said, “Our team which visited Phunde Dongri, Kala Dhonda and Gori Pakhadi areas in Uran, on June 5, noticed large-scale mangrove destruction due to creek reclamation. A letter in this regard was sent to the Managing Director of City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) on June 6.”
Inquiries conducted by the team revealed that dumping and reclamation activities were observed on the plots bearing survey numbers 169, 170, 171, 172, 173 A and 180/1/A of Uran, under the jurisdiction of CIDCO. The activities have been on since mid-May this year, Goenka said. The activities are in blatant violation of Coastal Regulatory Zone Notification 1991 and the orders of the Bombay High Court on Public Interest Litigation number 87 filed in 2006, Goenka added.
The General Manager (SEZ), CIDCO JR Kulkarni, shot of a letter to the authorised signatory, NMSEZ, Private Limited on June 13 and instructed him to stop activities which were destroying mangroves. The letter — copy of which in possession of DNA — says dumping and mangrove destruction was also noticed by the Tehsildar, Uran and an Executive Engineer, Dronagiri, CIDCO who visited the site on June 11, apart from the BEAG.
The letter pointed out that the land was handed over to a company by CIDCO. The Tehsildar, Uran had also requested CIDCO to issue instructions to the party, to avoid work which may destroy mangroves. Kulkarni requested NMSEZ authorities to avoid any work contrary to the High Court orders on PIL number 87.
Goenka alleged that Divisional Commissioner, Konkan in the eight-monthly report sent to the Bombay High Court on June 2, had furnished incorrect information. “The Commissioner informed the court that mangrove destruction was due to flooding, caused as a result of blockage in two outlets of a service bridge constructed by CIDCO six years back. This is wrong and contempt of court.”
The Divisional Commissioner had claimed in the report that BEAG’s complaint was forwarded to District Collector, Raigad for necessary action. Referring to a report (dated May 29, 2006) by the District Collector, Raigad, CIDCO authorities constructed a service bridge on the Dongri Creek, for the benefit of Phunde villagers around six years back.
Two out of three outlets of the bridge were blocked due to rocks. As a result, flow of water under the bridge was obstructed and caused harm to nearby mangroves. The report also claimed that it was CIDCO’s responsibility to remove the block
Goenka alleged the authorities did not take stern action as the land was allotted to Reliance’s NMSEZ. “The authorities are acting in contempt of court. We are deciding on further legal action.” When contacted, an NMSEZ official said, “Our commitment to the environment is absolute. We will inspect the matter and report to the authorities accordingly.”
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