Work to restore mangroves begins

Work to restore mangroves adjoining the Gorai Creek at Dahisar by Kandivli-based Ravi Builders, has finally begun.

Work to restore mangroves adjoining the Gorai Creek at Dahisar by Kandivli-based Ravi Builders, has finally begun.

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Acting on the Supreme Court order, the builder start clearing excess debris and open sea water channels in the area on Friday morning. Dumpers and earth movers made their way through the muddy track into the thick vegetation.

The restoration work started two days after suburban collector Nirmal Deshmukh issued directives to the builder to implement the apex court’s order. The sub-divisional officer and Tehsildar at Borivali will monitor the implementation of the SC order.

Residents from the adjoining buildings said machines started moving into the area after 10am.

“The builder will have to start work in the reverse order. The biggest creek that is important for the survival of the mangroves but blocked is at the centre of the affected area,” said Harish Pandey from the New Link Road Residents Forum. “So technically, the last bund towards the creek will have to be broken first and then move backwards.”

On January 31, the SC had ordered Jayesh Shah, the builder, to restore the original position of the mangrove as on January 2010 within 60 days. This would include opening all blocked culverts to allow sea water intrusion in to the mangroves area as well as remove excess debris.

Apart from building a bund measuring 385 metres, new bunds were also constructed, water inlets were blocked and mangroves were getting destroyed due to water stagnation.