HC imposes ban on reclamation of city’s wetlands

• 20 Mar 2014 Hindustan Times (Mumbai)
  
• HT Correspondent htmetro@hindustantimes.com
  

   

  MUMBAI: In a significant order, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday imposed a complete ban on the reclamation of and construction on, wetlands in the state and stressed the need for a separate setup for their conservation.
  

   

  

  Figure 1 Pristine Wetlands have not only been destroyed but replaced by deadly air pollution, produced by illegal slums on CRZ called Ganpat Patil Nagar
  

  The court also sought a report from authorities on action taken to stop destruction of wetlands , especially in Mira Road, Bhayander and Vasai.
  

  “Perusal of the report shows rampant destruction of wetlands and complete neglect on the part of authorities,” said the division bench of Justice VM Kanade and justice Anil Menon. The bench was referring to a report submitted by the chief conservator of forests (mangroves cell) stating that large scale destruction of wetlands and mangroves had taken place near Jesal Park and Kanakia -Park in Navghar in Vasai tehsil.
  

  The judges were irked with the state government’s approach towards the protection of wetlands. “As of today, no separate machinery has been set up by the government, nor has it taken any decision as regards a wetland atlas prepared by the Central government,” the judges said.