Residents Association in Versova Defend Mangroves
Residents association in Versova, Andheri-Mumbai, has decided to set up a security cordon around the mangrove cover in the area.The association says it decided to take matters into their own hands because of the repeated attempts by land sharks to appropriate the mangroves. Despite several complaints from the area`s residents, the official machinery was unable to keep away encroachers.
Frustrated by an apathetic government and pitted against a relentless land mafia, more and more Mumbaikars are taking up cudgels to protect the city`s greenery.The latest to join the green brigade is a resident`s association in Versova, Andheri and The New Yari Road Residents` Association, whose members include denizens of the film and corporate worlds.
Besides slum encroachments, residents say, there have been increasing instances of illegal debris dumping in the area.Just last month, the Versova police confiscated nine trucks and arrested their drivers after they were caught dumping construction debris on the green patch.The private security deployed by the association will be responsible for keeping a round-the-clock vigil around the mangroves and these private guards have been asked to alert residents and the BMC as soon as any fresh attempt to exploit the green space is detected.
Civic authorities welcomed the initiative. The citizens` initiative will increase vigil and help curb encroachments.Residents complained that the construction of hutments on mangrove area is a major bane.
Source:
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