Stating that areas can be earmarked for human beings and not for nature, the Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take necessary steps for maintaining status quo as per the ministry of environment and forests’ (MoEF) directions in the areas of Kanjurmarg thriving with mangroves.
A division bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and S.C. Gupte while pronouncing the order pointed to the photos of the wetlands. Justice Chandrachud said that there are two pockets of dense mangrove vegetation, and that required steps to be taken so that they are not destroyed. “We direct that pending further order of this court, the corporation should take necessary steps for maintaining status quo as directed by the MoEF. Since the showcause notice has been issued, the BMC shall submit its reply on or before August 13,” said the court.
When the court was informed by petitioner NGO Vanashakti’s advocate Gayatri Singh that mangroves have been damaged due to the reclamation, the court directed that a statutory body should periodically visit the area for the purpose of ensuring the regeneration of the affected mangroves.
When asked if the areas with mangrove vegetation could be earmarked, Justice Chandrachud said, “We earmark areas for human beings and not for nature. Necessary steps should be taken so that in one month from now, the mangroves don’t get destroyed.”