Thane: Environmental activists and wetland committee members from Mumbai and Thane demanded action against huge destruction of Desai creek at Mumbra, which has been observed in the past few months.
Rohit Joshi, the environmentalist and member of wetland committee of Thane who on Thursday said, "The Land mafias have constructed a two kilometer long road starting from Mumbra chuha bridge which ends at Diva railway station. At Least 10 thousand truckloads of debris seems to have been used for reclamation of creek".
Joshi claims a month ago he was informed by a volunteer from the area about the destruction. Accordingly 15 days ago he visited the site and was shocked to see the debris being dumped.
"Without involvement of antisocial elements like land mafia, sand mafia, corrupt politicians such a huge destruction isn't possible. They have taken advantage of COVID lockdown and have reclaimed 80% of the creek in 2020-2021. An immediate official survey of this site by the wetland and mangroves committee along with the complainant should be carried out to take appropriate legal action against all persons involved in this matter," added Joshi demanding an FIR against responsible government officials and those involved in it.
"Recently, two executive engineers of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and a civil contractor were booked for allegedly destroying mangroves. Till the authorities are not booked, the concerned officials will be less bothered about the destruction in the future", he added.
Stalin D, a member of the high court appointed wetland grievance redressal committee said, "Lockdown was for common citizens. Around 100 acres of wetland and mangroves land across Mumbai and Thane suburbs was buried during this period. The mafia usually do this activity before monsoon. Once the monsoon starts, trees come up on the land. The authorities who visit the site then make a report about trees on the land instead of restoring land".
Chetana Shinde, Range forest officer of Mangroves cell for Bhiwandi and Thane Taluka said her jurisdiction is only till Balkum in Thane, and Mumbra and Diva is yet to come under their jurisdiction. "The land comes under the revenue department who can take further action," she added.
Yuvraj Bangar, Tehsildar of Thane confirmed about a complaint being received to them and said, "Our Talathi will be visiting the spot on Monday. He will survey to see if there is any destruction and send a report".
