Green activists plan walkathon to highlight mangrove hacking

Environment activists in Navi Mumbai are organizing a walkathon called "Chalo Chanakaya" on December 24 to raise awareness about the repeated damage to mangroves in the area. The activists are calling for action to be taken to protect the mangroves, which are vital for the ecosystem. They are concerned about the lack of enforcement of laws and the destruction caused by construction projects.

Navi Mumbai

Green activists plan walkathon to highlight mangrove hacking

Upset at the repeated attempts by miscreants to damage mangroves spread over acres of land in T.S Chanakaya wetlands in Nerul, the environment activists in Navi Mumbai have decided to voice their concern by organising a walkathon on December 24 at 8 am. Christened “Chalo Chanakaya”, the walkathon is aimed at creating awareness about the issue.

“Mangroves are protected and their hacking amounts to nothing less than a crime. Authorities need to take action in accordance with the law. It was disturbing to see a more than 100 meter expanse covered with intentionally hacked mangroves,” said Seema Tania, a resident and nature lover. At the gathering, the activists will discuss the repeated damage to mangroves and further course of action they plan to take.

Repeated instances of damage to mangroves to pave way for constructions have been raised often by environment groups in Navi Mumbai. Residents have often visited the wetlands and returned with shocking violations. “Dumping of debris, intentionally blocking the water inlet gates have become a regular affair in these parts. Mangroves should be conserved. A vast portion of mangroves has been destroyed, which inevitably disturbs the ecosystem as the sighting of birds gets affected,” said another activist Sunil Agarwal.