Bombay HC allows corporation to cut mangroves

MUMBAI: The Bombay High court on Wednesday allowed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to cut mangroves in Mahul creek area in northeast Mumbai for the expansion of the creek.

The MCGM had asked for modification of High Court's earlier order which had completely banned cutting down of mangroves in the state.

MCGM had said that it might have to cut down mangroves in an area of 93,000 sq metres. The High court had said that mangroves could be cut down only wherever necessary in Mahul creek area.

MCGM contended that as per Madhav Chitaley Committee report, expansion of Mahul creek was necessary to avoid flooding as happened on July 26, 2005.

The Bombay Environment Action group had filed a PIL in the HC regarding destruction of mangroves which the Division bench of acting Chief Justice HL Gokhle and justice VM Kanade were hearing.