Navi Mumbai: Residents Protest Tree Destruction In Mangrove Buffer Zone, NMMC Seizes JCBs

Residents and greens irked after private contractors start destroying trees at mangrove buffer zone near DPS lake, plot number 3,6 and 7 of sector 52 A. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation seized the two JCBs used in the destruction after complaints were made to NMMC office by the residents.

“Massive destruction of trees was happening in this area without a mandatory board explaining who and why this destruction is taking place. Area is full of birds and jackals,” citizen Sunil Agarwal said. His wife, Shruti Agarwal made a complain on 1926 board displayed by the forest department. “The board by the forest department placed in the area near the plot mentions that it is a protected area and falls under mangrove buffer and yet the JCBs were here to destroy the trees,” he added.

The District Forest Officer Deepak Khade and  Mangrove cell has planned a site visit and inspection on Wednesday. “As per the complaint received we seized both the JCBs and also fined them a total of RS 60,000. They claimed to have got allotment letter by CIDCO to have construction in the plot as per the deal. The further inquiry will be done by the other departments,” a officer from NMMC said.

Meanwhile, Forest minister Ganesh Naik has asked his department to coordinate with Tehsildar office to file FIR against the contractor involved in destruction. “The plot claimed to be have sold to a builder is under CIDCO and CIDCO has no0t been transferring this area to forest department. Minister Naik has promised to look into the issue so that the land is transferred to Forest department and is always protected,” Agarwal added.