Western suburbs most vulnerable

The mangrove cell's jurisdiction stretches from the city to Sindhudurg district and we have a staff of 37. The essential mandate of the cell is to look after the development and regeneration of mangroves, assess the problems in areas where degradation has occurred.

The mangrove cell is seven months old now; can you tell us about your mandate and functioning?
The mangrove cell's jurisdiction stretches from the city to Sindhudurg district and we have a staff of 37. The essential mandate of the cell is to look after the development and regeneration of mangroves, assess the problems in areas where degradation has occurred. Within this, we also look after complaints regarding mangrove destruction that are addressed to us. The mandate makes it clear that the territorial divisions of the forest department are primarily responsible to look into investigation of mangrove destruction on forest land.

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What challenges do you face?
Co-ordination between multiple agencies is of paramount importance, because that is going to be the fulcrum for mangrove protection. But, since the mangroves are scattered on forest, revenue and private land, co-ordination between the multiple agencies obviously takes time. Depending on the nature of the violation, whether on forest land or private land, the agencies look to options for booking offenders.

Which areas in the city are most vulnerable to destruction of mangroves?
Based on present conditions and complaints, mangroves in the western suburbs are under great pressure. This pressure mostly comes from real estate development; density of population too is much more in the western suburbs. Traditionally, if you see, reclamation activities have been witnessed much more in this area. Presently, dumping of solid waste such as construction debris is a real menace. There is a deliberate attempt seen to reclaim mangrove areas by dumping debris.

In the western suburbs, it has been seen that mangroves on private land have been encroached upon. What is your assessment of this problem?
Private land owners should act as custodians of mangroves. It is their responsibility. If they fail to do so, the government should make provisions to penalise them.

What is the usual modus operandi of violations?
Construction of bund walls around mangroves to block sea water is the most common method. Since mangroves thrive on sea water, they tend to die if the flow of water stagnates.

What are the different mangrove species in the city?
In Mumbai, we have seen only a handful of species, maybe 8 to 10, of which Avicennia marina is the most dominant.