Mumbaikars had to put up an intense fight to safeguard the Aarey Forests but seems like their struggle to protect the environment is not over yet. THE BOMBAY High Court allowed Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to proceed with the felling of over 1,500 mangrove trees for the construction of Versova-Bandra Sea Link. While this will surely make the connectivity better in the suburbs, this decision comes as a huge blow for the ecosystem.
Also read: Maharashtra Promotes Mangrove Safaris As Eco Tourism Avenues In The State
The High Court Had Put The Proposal On Hold
The High Court had earlier put this proposal on hold after the environment, and forest ministry and a coastal regulation zone asked for clarifications. The court had granted liberty to the petitioner challenging the felling of mangrove trees. Navi Mumbai Mangroves Undergo Makeover; 7000kg Trash Removed In 15 Weeks.
1,585 Mangrove Trees Will Be Cut Down In 2.99 Hectares
On September last year, the HC had directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to explain the two permissions granted for the Versova-Bandra Sea Link. However then, the SC had inhibited MSRDC from cutting any mangrove trees, except the 200 square metre area that they needed to construct ten pillars of the sea link. But now HC has revised the permission for felling 1,585 mangrove trees in the area measuring 2.99 hectares. The earlier stay will be vacated to enable the construction.
Discrepancies In Permissions Of The Project Say Activists
The MoEFCC had approved felling of over 1,500 trees by allowing construction in the forest land. However, activities said that there were discrepancies in various permissions granted to the project and urged the court not to vacate the stay. The court, however, vacated the stay because of clarifications issued by MoEFCC and gave liberty to Bathena to challenge the same independently. Maharashtra Sees A Stupendous 72% Rise In Mangrove Cover In The Last 6 Years.
Are we going to live in a concrete jungle now?