Dinesh Kamath's news item 'CIDCO destroys mangroves at Seawoods, invites wrath of environmentalists' that was published in Newsband

CIDCO destroys mangroves at Seawoods, invites wrath of environmentalists

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: CIDCO is intending to make a massive commercial complex near the Seawoods railway station. Hence they are getting rid of mangrove trees which exist in large number over here. This has invited the wrath of environmentalists and citizens. This is another case of how eco-sensitive areas are being compromised in the name of development.

Earlier there used to be a lot of green mangroves here. Now these mangroves are reduced to a great extent. The CIDCO authorities are flattening the area with earth and debris. This has stopped the water supply to the mangroves and they are dying in big number.

It is a good thing that there will be a tower coming up in front of the station, but should we sacrifice nature to have more infrastructures?

Some environmentalists did file a petition in the Bombay high court against the rampant damage and destruction of precious mangroves and wetlands. People celebrate World Environment Day but no attempt is being made to protect the green zones in Maharashtra, which has a huge coastline. It is high time we protected wetlands.

The state environment department, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the Konkan commissioner should take tough action against the eco violators.

It is not enough to celebrate World Environment Day only once a year. In fact, every day should be a World Environment Day. If we don’t stop this rampant eco violation we stand to lose our priceless forests, wetlands, and also the quality of air we breathe.

There is urgent need to conserve our ecosystem and also reduce water wastage.