The Thane Municipal Administration has begun taking steps to curb encroachments on the mangrove areas in the coastal parts of the city, specifically targeting illegal landfilling activities. As part of these efforts, the administration has installed CCTV cameras at 34 strategic locations to monitor and prevent further landfilling on mangrove areas.
The coastal region of Thane, which spans approximately 32 kilometers, is an ecologically significant area, home to various migratory birds, including flamingos. The area holds international importance as a wetland, earning the prestigious Ramsar Site designation. However, in recent years, there has been a significant rise in illegal landfilling and encroachments by land mafias, leading to the destruction of mangroves, which is a major environmental concern.
The administration recently uncovered a major landfilling incident along the Kolsheth Creek area, where large-scale dumping of debris was being carried out to create new landmasses. This discovery led to criticism, and both the municipal and district administrations have since taken immediate action. The authorities have blocked access to roads that were being used by land mafias to dump materials on the mangroves and have started removing the landfill.
To prevent further encroachments, the municipal administration has set up CCTV cameras at 34 locations to monitor the area, especially along the Kharegaon Toll Naka, Kolshet Creek, and Chendani areas. Some trucks carrying illegal landfill materials have already been identified through this surveillance, and the Pollution Control Board has been informed to take necessary action against the violators.
The local authorities have also started the process to remove the landfill in these regions, with an estimated cost of ₹28 to ₹30 crore. However, due to limited funds in the municipal treasury, the administration is currently exploring options to raise the required finances for the removal work.
- CCTV cameras installed at 34 locations to monitor landfilling activities.
- Estimated cost for removal of landfill: ₹28–30 crore.
- Environmental concern due to destruction of mangroves, a crucial ecosystem.
- Action taken to block access points used by land mafias for illegal dumping.
- Financial challenges
