MCZMA to CIDCO: Remove debris from creeklet, protect mangroves

Officials observed that the creeklet was being filled with debris due to which free flow of tidal water is found to be constructed at Chanje village.”Similarly, a temporary road has been constructed near the fishing harbour across the creeklet, affecting the free flow of tidal water into the creeklet from the Karanje creek,” said the report submitted to NGT.

Moreover, thick mangrove vegetation is present in and around the site that CIDCO is constructing pipe outlet structures for holding pond no.2 in Dronagari node, is on, officials observed. “Location of this construction is found to be close to the creek and is diverting the flow of creek water, which is a feeder source for the entire mangrove vegetation towards village Chanje,” the report said.

The report also cites a Bombay High Court order, dated July 28 , 2013, that permits reconstruction of pipe outlet structures in Dronagiri node. The MCZMA has now asked CIDCO to furnish details of permission obtained for for the construction of the pipe outlet structure for holding pond at Dronagiri node as well as construction of a temporary road in Chanje village.

Apart from this, heap of soil was observed close to mangrove patches at the site located in sector 56, where a “12.5 per cent scheme” sign-board of CIDCO is installed.

The MCZMA report said mangrove vegetation might be affected due to the dumping. CIDCO has now been asked to submit a detailed report regarding mangrove vegetation around this site.

Local fishermen and environmentalists alleged that CIDCO activities were destroying the wetlands. “Wetlands are being destroyed by CIDCO. The tidal water does not reach the wetlands, drying them up and destroying mangroves in the area. These fish breeding grounds are dying and we cannot fish in the area. Moreover, by blocking the flow of water, the surrounding areas, where our villages lie, will get submerged because of flooding during the monsoon,” said Ramdas Janardan Koli, a local fisherman. Speaking about the pipe outlet structure at Donagari, NGO Vanashakti’s D Stalin alleged that CIDCO is replacing old underground pipes with a wall. “These ‘holding ponds’ being constructed where the sea and creek meet are more like dams. Permission for these holding ponds was taken by CIDCO much before the CRZ norms came into existence and they still continue construction based on these permissions and MoEF has been a silent spectator to these violations. How can CIDCO be allowed to destroy mangroves like this and not pay for it? said Stalin.

Meanwhile, according to the MCZMA affidavit, CIDCO officials claimed that the construction of the pipe outlet structures for holding pond no-2 is being carried out along with flat gate installation in order to control the flood of Dronagiri node.

About the temporary road in Chanje village, CIDCO officials explained the construction work to put a box culvert over the creek let is temporary, which will be removed immediately before monsoon, so that the flow of the creek will be maintained, according to the affidavit.
CIDCO officials declined to comment on this matter as it was subjudice.

anjali.lukose@expressindia.com