FIR filed against ashram for destroying mangroves …….Geeta Desai
Suburban Mumbai District Collector lodged a complaint with Malwani police against Sant Nirankari Babas ashram for encroaching on mangrove lands for their satsang hall
Collector of the Suburban Mumbai District has lodged an FIR against Sant Nirankari Babas Ashram at Malwani for encroaching on mangroves forests and building an ashram without the Collectors permission.
S V Patil, Tehsildar of the area confirmed, We have registered an FIR with the Malwani police against the ashram .
On April 5, Mumbai Mirror had carried a detailed report on how mangrove forests across the city were being encroached upon to reclaim land for construction activities.
Case studies of Dahisar, Malwani in Malad, Versova in Andheri and Bandra-Kurla Complex were highlighted, where construction debris had been deliberately dumped to choke these greens that act as sponge between the sea and the city to drain rainwater flooding.
More than seven acres have been reclaimed illegally at Malwani, Malad West. The debris has been dumped almost 10 feet higher than the surface of the adjoining area.
Accompanying photographic evidence clearly shows a tin shed constructed here, which is used as a satsang hall by Sant Nirankari Baba Ashram. The plot even has an enquiry office for the ashram and a home for the caretaker of the property.
Vishwas Patil, Collector, Suburban Mumbai District said, Action will be taken against those destroying mangroves.