India’s Top Environment Forum Gives Life to Encroached Wetlands In Maharashtra
- Vineet Malik
- Apr 16, 2021
- 2 min read
By Vineet Malik | April 16, 2021 | London, England
In November and December 2019, three First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone (NMSEZ) for unlawfully uprooting the mangroves.
In a major setback to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the National Green Tribunal (NGT), yesterday ruled in favor of the petitioner to protect the Panje Wetlands located in the coastal region of Maharashtra.
The order comes in wake of the legal battle fought by Nandakumar Pawar, Mumbai based environmentalist to protect the wetlands.
CIDCO holds 26 percent stake in NMSEZ, while 74 percent share is held by Reliance Industries led by Mukesh Ambani, Dronagiri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (DIPL), Jai Industries Corporation promoted by Anand Jain and Nikhil Gandhi’s SKIL Infrastructure.
The petitioner accused CIDCO for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone notification, 2011 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Besides the above, Bombay High Court in 2006 categorically ruled that, “Mangroves needs to be protected and preserved.”
As per the petition, CIDCO was held responsible for destroying the wetlands by blocking the free flow of tidal water through installation of sluice gates and dumping debris.
The State Board of Wildlife in 2015 gave its in-principle assent to declare the Panje Wetlands as a Bird Sanctuary. However, the decision met with resistance and violations continued unabated.
Despite directions issued by the Director Environment to the District Collector, Raigad in November, last year to comply with the statutory environment laws, the latter failed to adhere with the imperatives.
In 2019, NMSEZ was ordered to stop dumping debris.
A report released by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in 2019 placed emphasis on the conservation of ecology citing the Coastal Wetlands and Water Birds of Navi Mumbai.
The order passed by the NGT primarily states to :
Restore the free flow of tidal water by opening the sluice gates and removal of the blockages so that free flow of tidal water reaches to mangroves and water body at village Panje.
Remove the illegally security cabins erected in CRZ area immediately.
Stop the work of filling of low lying area in the said site.
First Information Reports, Maharashtra Environment Director Imperatives on Panje Wetlands Violations and Order passed by the National Green Tribunal can be read here.
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