Thane: Threat to Mangroves and Wetlands by Ulhas River

As climate change intensifies, the need to protect mangroves and wetlands has never been more urgent. However, in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s district, near the Ulhas River and alongside the Mumbai-Nashik highway, government agencies appear to be overlooking the issue of extensive illegal dumping on wetlands and mangroves.

Rampant Destruction of Mangroves and Wetlands

If we take a look at the satellite images from Google Earth between 2021 to 2024, one can see the rampant destruction of mangroves and wetlands that has taken place due to the illegal dumping of construction material debris by the land mafia. In May this year, environmentalist Stalin D also complained about the same to the Thane collector, municipal commissioner of Thane, Mangroves Cell of the forest department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Tehsildar office.

Extensive CRZ Violations and Destruction

Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, “In Thane district, extensive CRZ violations are occurring. Over 100 hectares of mangroves, wetlands, and CRZ 1 areas are being buried under debris, mud, and garbage. This is happening in broad daylight, right under the noses of the revenue department, police department, forest department, and others. It is a clear case of corruption enabling this massive destruction to continue. The Thane Collector is primarily responsible for allowing this to persist for months despite repeated notifications. No action has been taken. It would not be incorrect to say that vested interests within the government have facilitated this destruction.”

Reported Dumping on Sarkari Khazan Lands and Creeks

The dumping is reportedly happening on Sarkari Khazan lands (salt marshes), creeks all have been landfilled here, and well as the nearby coastal wetland areas. From the Kharegaon side of the creek, one can see a massive tableland created on the opposite side near Dive Anjur.

Government Machinery Turning a Blind Eye

“Every location near and within the creeks is being reclaimed while the government machinery looks the other way. The Thane Collector’s office, Thane Municipal Corporation, the local police station, and the Thane Forest Division of the Mangrove Cell are all jointly responsible for allowing this to happen,” added Stalin.

Allegations of Corruption and Negligence

The activist also said that the role of the police station is also circumspect especially when they are also members of the protection committees and alleged that this is a classic case of large-scale corruption and gross negligence by certain officials.