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Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday alleged irregularities in mangrove replanting efforts linked to the Versova–Bhayandar Coastal Road project and demanded an immediate halt to the felling of mangroves in north Mumbai, reported news agency PTI.

Raising the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Thackeray called for greater transparency and scrutiny of the compensatory afforestation being carried out for the project.

Demand for joint inspection by House panel

Thackeray urged the formation of a joint committee of legislators to conduct on-ground inspections of sites where mangroves are proposed to be cut, as well as areas where authorities claim to have undertaken replantation, reported PTI.

He said such a visit would help verify whether the compensatory measures cited by the government are genuine and adequate.

Allegations of misleading information

The former environment minister alleged that officials from the Forest Department were providing misleading information regarding mangrove plantations, reported PTI.

He claimed that inaccurate data may have been presented before the Bombay High Court, as well as to the state government and civil society groups, regarding the status of afforestation efforts.

Call for inquiry into afforestation claims

Thackeray demanded the appointment of an independent inquiry commission to investigate the alleged discrepancies. He said claims of replanting and compensatory afforestation were being used to justify the proposed cutting of around 45,000 mangroves for the coastal road project, reported PTI.

He also cited concerns raised by environmental groups, which have questioned the credibility of the afforestation data presented by authorities.

Suggests alternative project alignments

Highlighting the ecological sensitivity of mangrove ecosystems, Thackeray suggested exploring alternatives such as tunnels or changes in project alignment to minimise environmental damage.

He stressed that development projects should not come at the cost of critical coastal ecosystems.

Importance of mangrove conservation

Thackeray emphasised the vital role mangroves play in protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance, reported PTI.

He urged the government to prioritise conservation and ensure that any infrastructure development complies with environmental safeguards.

The issue is expected to see further debate, with calls for a detailed review of the project’s environmental impact and mitigation measures.

(With inputs from PTI)