Home / Environment / NGT Halts Miyawaki Forest Plan Over Mangrove Fears
NGT Halts Miyawaki Forest Plan Over Mangrove Fears
10 Sep
Summary
- NGT ordered a halt to reclamation and dumping at Saket Maidan.
- A Miyawaki plantation project planned for 9,000 trees is involved.
- The site is located near a mangrove-sensitive area, raising concerns.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an interim order halting a Miyawaki plantation project at Saket Maidan in Thane. The project, aimed at planting approximately 9,000 trees, has been stopped due to concerns over potential environmental damage to a nearby mangrove area. The NGT directed the Thane police commissioner to immediately cease all reclamation and dumping activities at the site.
This intervention arose after environmentalists and a local society filed a complaint alleging illegal dumping and construction on mangrove land. Petitioners argue that the plantation's proposed soil and manure dumping could adversely affect the ecologically sensitive zone, which they believe falls under CRZ-IA and CRZ-IB regulations. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) must now clarify the site's exact coastal regulation status.
The NGT has warned the Thane district collector of personal appearance at the next hearing if a proper response is not provided. The hearing is scheduled for November 16, where the MCZMA's clarification and the collector's presence are expected. This situation highlights the growing concern for the ecological sensitivity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's mangrove belts.
