Newlinkroad's Blog

By Team New Link Road

A major win for environmental conservation in Kandivali West!

The Bombay High Court has taken a stern stance against the illegal encroachments and garbage dumping threatening a local natural pond in Charkop, right in our backyard. Thanks to local activist Reji Abraham, and other active citizens, there is hope for Mumbai.

Calling the current state of the Charkop pond “shocking and terrible,” a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad directed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to clear all illegal structures immediately. The court emphasized that restoring the pond to its natural condition must take priority before any public beautification projects can begin.

Why the High Court’s Approval Was Needed

The matter reached the High Court through a petition filed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body sought judicial permission to clear the site and begin conservation work.

Because the Charkop pond lies within the sensitive 50-metre buffer zone surrounding local mangroves, high court approval is mandatory. This requirement stems from a landmark 2018 High Court ruling (in a PIL filed by the Bombay Environment Action Group) that strictly prohibits non-forest activities in mangrove areas and their 50-metre buffer zones without prior court consent.

The BMC confirmed it has already secured the necessary clearances from key regulatory bodies, including:

• The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA)
• The Mangrove Cell
• The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)

Priority #1: Garbage Clearance and Restoring Natural Water Flow

During the hearing, advocate Saket Mone, representing the BMC, presented photographs detailing the extent of neglect at the site. The civic body assured the bench that a massive garbage removal drive will be launched immediately. The goal is to clean up the accumulated waste and restore the natural flow of saline water into the pond, which is crucial for sustaining the adjacent mangrove ecosystem.

The court made its expectations crystal clear, warning that it “will not tolerate any garbage in the natural pond.”

To ensure accountability, the bench has directed authorities to present updated photographs from the exact same angles at the next hearing scheduled for August 6, 2026.

What This Means for the Neighborhood

For residents along New Link Road, Charkop, and Kandivali West, the protection of this natural pond is a crucial step toward preserving our remaining green cover and wetlands. Mangroves play a vital role in preventing urban flooding, maintaining local biodiversity, and improving air quality.

We will keep a close eye on the progress at the Charkop pond as the August deadline approaches.

What are your thoughts on the conservation efforts in our neighborhood? Share your views in the comments below!