Minister to visit mangrove damage site in Andheri, to form probe panel if necessary
Munde admitted that complaints were received about the reclamation in the buffer zone of mangroves so the government officials imposed a fine of Rs 2.22 lakh last year but as developers continued the reclamation, officials imposed a fine of Rs 87.26 crore in April 2025.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab in legislative council raised the issue of illegal destruction of mangroves. (File photo) Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Munde on Monday said that she will visit the 300-acre mangrove land in Andheri, part of which is facing reclamation, and conduct a probe through a committee, if necessary.
Members from the Opposition and ruling party in the legislative council united over the issue of illegal destruction of mangroves, violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and reclamation by developers to occupy the 300-acre land in Andheri West and demanded stringent action against the developers and officials involved. Munde announced the removal of reclamation and said that she will visit the site personally along with legislators and if required will set up a committee to probe the matter.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab in legislative council raised the issue of illegal destruction of mangroves and illegal reclamation of land to occupy 300 acres of land at Andheri west city survey number 161,167,168, 169 through a calling attention motion. Parab questioned why 70 acres of land was excluded from the no development zone and turned into development zone, and demanded immediate removal of reclamation done by private developers. He alleged that as it is a case of occupying the government land, too, action should be taken under Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act (MPDA).
BJP MLC Praveen Darekar, Shiv Sena UBT MLC Sachin Ahir and Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap supported the demands by Parab. All party legislators demanded to set up the committee to probe the matter as it involves various departments.
Munde admitted that complaints were received about the reclamation in the buffer zone of mangroves so the government officials imposed a fine of Rs 2.22 lakh last year but as developers continued the reclamation, officials imposed a fine of Rs 87.26 crore in April 2025.
“It is a serious matter and Ms Mahalaxmi Enterprises was doing reclamation for the developers Ms. Usha Developers Co-op. Housing society, Billine Impex Pvt Ltd and Pearl Coschem Pvt Ltd. FIR has been lodged in this matter.
Though the fine of 87.26 crore was imposed on the developers they have not paid it. So orders will be given for immediate collection of fines from them. Considering the gravity of the issue, I will personally visit the site along with legislators, guardian minister of Mumbai suburban district and inspect the site. If required, we will set up the committee to probe the matter,” said Munde.
Deputy chairperson of council Neelam Gorhe asked Pankaja Munde to visit the site in one week and take a decision about the formation of the committee before the end of the monsoon session of the state legislature on July 18. Gorhe also said that Panjaka Munde and all of us need to request Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to hold a meeting on the issue as many departments are involved in the matter.
She also informed that of the total land 70 acres of land was excluded from the no development zone and of that 35 acres has been allocated for the National Law University Mumbai. She also announced that developers will be booked for the destruction of mangroves.
Share
