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CRZ1 wetlands have been destroyed in Borivali West at Survey number ……. GPS Coordinates are Latitude 19°15’23.27″N Longitude 72°50’42.45″E Many illegal slums have been erected over the destroyed mangroves after 2005, and the area is called Ganpat Patil Nagar. These slums have toilets that are draining untreated sewage into the water bodies.

This untreated sewage has adversely affected the water quality leading to pollution of the wetlands and resulting damage to the fishes and other flora and fauna of the aquatic ecosystem.

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It has also adversely affected the livelihood of the coastal fishing communities, the Kolis and Agris, as they cannot get fish and other seafood in the wetlands of Dahisar and have to venture into the deep sea endangering their lives as well.Sub: 

Untreated Sewage from Ganpat Patil Nagar being discharged into the sea  at Borival Dahisar, North Mumbai

Here is the complaint that we have sent to the concerned authorities.

Sir/Madam,

We would like to bring to your attention the following serious issues:

CRZ1 wetlands have been destroyed in Borivali West at Survey no 221, CTS 532.

GPS Coordinates are Latitude 19°15’23.27″N Longitude 72°50’42.45″E

Many illegal slums have been erected over the destroyed mangroves after 2005, and the area is now called Ganpat Patil Nagar. [PIC 1]

These slums have toilets which are draining untreated sewage / garbage into the water bodies. [PIC 2].

This untreated sewage has adversely affected the water quality leading to pollution of the wetlands and resulting damage to the fishes and other flora and fauna of the aquatic ecosystem.

A link to a shocking video showing the toilets is available here: Click for YouTube video link

This sewage pollution has also adversely affected the livelihood of the coastal fishing communities, the Kolis and Agris, as they cannot get fish and other sea food in the wetlands of Dahisar and must venture into the deep sea to fish, endangering their lives as well.

As per the existing rules

(2) No waste generator shall throw, burn or bury the solid waste generated by him, on streets, open public spaces outside his premises or in the drain or water bodies.

[page 55 of Solid Waste Management Rules -2016.pdf https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/irj/go/km/docs/documents/MCGM%20Department%20List/Solid%20Waste%20Management/Docs/Bye%20laws/Solid%20Waste%20Management%20Rules%20-2016.pdf]

 the sea

It is also mandatory for the Corporation to abide by the provisions of the Prevention of Water Pollution Act, the Environment Protection Act, etc. [https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/irj/portal/anonymous/qlsewaop]

This illegal slum is also a threat to national security because this slum is easily accessible by boat from the Arabian sea via the Gorai creek and there are no security checks by any Coast guard or Border Security forces.

We request you on behalf of all the citizens of Mumbai, and on behalf of the coastal fishing communities, to please remove all the illegal encroachments and restore this area to its pristine status as a wetland and buffer zone for Mumbai city and suburbs.

IN OUR OPINION DEMARCATION OF BUFFER ZONE AS PER 2005 STATUS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION HOLDS THE KEY TO THE RESOLUTION OF THIS COMPLAINT.