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Thane Wetlands Illegally Filled, NGT Investigates
6 Jun
Summary
- NGT seeks action reports from Thane authorities on wetland landfilling.
- Alleged landfilling obstructs drainage, raising flood risks for residents.
- Environmentalists question Miyawaki plantation proposal on mangroves.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone, Pune, has initiated a probe into allegations of illegal dumping and landfilling within protected mangrove and wetland zones in Thane. Environmentalists, NGOs, and local residents filed a petition, claiming that landfilling activities in Saket and Rabodi are obstructing natural drainage channels.
This obstruction, according to the petitioners, poses a significant risk of increased flooding in adjacent residential areas during the upcoming monsoon season. The NGT has mandated that the Thane police commissioner, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, Thane district collector, and Thane Municipal Corporation submit their action-taken reports by July 9.
Further allegations suggest that mangrove trees have been cut and buried under dumped soil. A controversial proposal by the Thane Police Commissionerate for a Miyawaki plantation drive on the affected 10-hectare plot has drawn criticism, with environmentalists questioning its suitability for mangrove ecosystems and its potential to legitimize the alleged landfilling.
Complaints filed with authorities in November 2025 had previously gone unanswered, leading to the NGT petition in April. The tribunal's directive for detailed responses underscores the seriousness of the environmental concerns raised.
