BMC Requests Action Against the Illegal Reclamation of Wetlands

The BMC has brought up the issue of the illegal reclamation of wetlands in the Malad and Madh-Marve areas and has filed complaints with numerous authorities, including those who control vast tracts of the impacted land. The civic body claimed in a letter to the police, collectorate, Forest Department, MHADA, and RTO that slums in environmentally sensitive areas have grown as a result of mafia approval.

 

The letter, which was written by the BMC's P-North ward, noted that mangroves are being destroyed in great quantities at the locations, causing environmental harm. The letter stated that one of the causes of Malad's declining air quality is illegal reclamation, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

 

Furthermore, it claimed that the Mumbai Suburbs Collectorate (50% of the land), the Forest Department (20%), and MHADA and BMC (10% each) all share ownership of the vast land parcel, leaving the BMC with no "mechanism to control illegal activities." Given how challenging it is to remove soil from a marsh, the local authority claimed that the harm is irreparable. As large trucks pass through the locations of unauthorised construction, there are additional issues including traffic congestion and potholes. The BMC urged the police to identify and take action against the leaders of illegal reclamation since the Solid Waste Management Department only has the authority to fine these trucks.