INDIA
Versova residents are happy that Kapil Sharma's case has prompted officials to look up and take steps.
Residents of Versova, who have been continuously raising the issue of systematic destruction of mangroves over the years by bungalow owners at SVP Nagar, are elated that Kapil Sharma's case has finally ensured that the officials wake up from their slumber.
On Monday, a team of officials from the State Mangrove Cell headed by Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Makarand Ghotge, visited the site and surveyed the violations carried out by not only Sharma but also by several other bungalow owners in that stretch.
The surveying team found several violations including dumping in the mangroves area and are preparing a detailed report. "As per our survey conducted there are no violations in the notified forest area and the land belonging to MHADA. However, there seems to be CRZ violations. All the information collected during the site visit will be examined and even old satellite maps will be studied. As per the findings, and if there are violations, action will be taken according to law," informed N Vasudevan, chief conservator of forest (CCF) and head of State Mangrove Cell.
Sources claimed that there are high chances that a lot of violations could be found as it was extremely obvious during the survey that there were extensions made. Apart from that there were several evidences that mangroves and wetlands were being reclaimed by dumping.
A local resident of Versova said that violations pertaining to wetlands and mangroves were extremely common as a few months back several locals from the neighbourhood as well as environment activists had come together to protest against Jankidevi School for laying paver blocks and concrete within 50 metres of mangroves.
Another activist who has been living near SVP Nagar said that they were delighted that now a lot of violations and violators will be brought to book for destroying mangroves. "We have been fighting against the rampant destruction of mangroves since 2005 but nothing was done and the dumping of debris continued as most bungalows made extensions. Now that the matter has escalated, we hope authorities take stringent action against violators," said the activist.
Meanwhile, Stalin D, director projects of Vanashakti NGO which has been fighting a legal case against the state for wetland destruction, said that the authorities are pretending to react to this episode because Kapil is soft and a convenient target. "In fact, Sharma has inadvertently earned the wrath of BMC and highlighted the issue of mangrove destruction. This destruction, though important to be acted upon, is not even a miniscule fraction of the damage to mangroves that has been going on across Mumbai and adjoining regions, which has been conveniently ignored by the same authorities," he said adding that this was the 'system's' way of reacting to bribery.
Narayana Murthy points out India's need to revive scientific innovations citing Israel's progress
Delhi-NCR air pollution in 'severe' category for third straight day, AQI crosses 436 in Anand Vihar
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: India's Neeraj Goyat beats Whindersson Nunes in super-middleweight bout
Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh blessed with baby boy
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson: Know how much money they're paid to fight
UP: 10 infants dead after massive fire erupts at Jhansi Medical College
Meet woman, daughter of a labourer with Rs 8,000 family income, topped NEET with AIR...
Meet IITian, who left high-paying job at Goldman Sachs to prepare for UPSC, cracked exam with AIR...
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 2nd T20I live in India?
Viral video: Girl's sizzling dance to 'Dil Luteya' sets fire on internet, watch
Know why beer is usually stored in green or brown glass bottles, reason will surprise you
Viral video: Little girl's adorable dance to 'Ishq Vishk Pyaar Vyaar' wins hearts, watch
IND vs SA: Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma create history, India become first full-member team to....
IND vs SA, 4th T20I: Sanju Samson scripts history, becomes first player to achieve THIS massive feat
Dating Trends 2025: Micro-mance, DWM, male-casting and more to dominate the year
Navjot Singh Sidhu breaks silence on his exit from The Kapil Sharma Show: 'There were political...'
A true fashionista in Kennedy family: Who was the saree-loving aunt of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
PROBA-3 ABOARD ISRO’S PSLV : India to Launch Europe’s Sun Mission in December
An Indian village where frogs are married off, the reason is...
Studd Muffyn Life Presents Berberine: A Natural Powerhouse Tackling India's Metabolic Health Crisis
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson: What is the prize money for this iconic fight?
What happened to Laika, first dog to ever travel in space?
Tara Sutaria REACTS amid dating rumours with Arunoday Singh: 'To be in love…'
CEO Kunal Shah to compete with Zerodha, Groww? CRED's subsidiary applies for stock broking license
Delhi air pollution: CM Atishi announces staggered working hours for govt workers amid 'severe' AQI
CBSE Date sheet 2025 to be released at...; when and how to check class 10, 12 timetable
This is world's most expensive nail polish costs more than 3 Mercedes, it's price is...
This Indian favourite has made it to the list of "50 best bean dishes" in the world
UPPSC prelims 2024 exam date announced, examination to happen in two shifts, check details here
SA vs IND: Arshdeep Singh eyes Yuzvendra Chahal's all-time India record in T20Is
Isha Ambani stuns in Giorgio Armani suit at Tira store launch in Mumbai
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT affordable packs for Jio users: Get 10 GB data for just Rs...
'We have redone...': Shraddha Kapoor's Naagin to go on floors in 2025, producer reveals new details
'Those whom no one cares for, Modi worships them': PM Modi in Bihar rally
Congress targets PM Modi's Jamui visit, asks why hasn't Bihar been granted special category status
What is GRAP Stage 3, action plan implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution?
Sri Lanka Elections 2024: President Anura Dissanayake's party wins majority in general election
Haryana govt has implemented sub classification of Scheduled Castes for job quota
New Zealand’s youngest MP performs ‘haka’, rips up copy of bill in parliament, watch viral video
Amid Champions Trophy row, India emerges top contender to host 2025 tournament if…
Amitabh Bachchan does amazing Taekwondo move on KBC 16 sets, fans wonder if he is really 82
Shillong Teer Results November 15, 2024: Check updates on winning numbers
Boxing legend Mike Tyson slaps YouTuber Jake Paul during final staredown, watch viral video
7 companies led by Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani
Shahid Afridi's BIG appeal to BCCI amid Champions Trophy crisis, says. 'If countries once...'