Navi Mumbai Mangrove Encroachments to Be Removed Immediately, Orders Forest Minister Ganesh Naik
Navi Mumbai, 8th May 2025: Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has directed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to immediately remove all encroachments in the mangrove areas of Navi Mumbai, emphasizing the urgency of protecting the city’s critical green cover. The order was issued during a high-level meeting at the Mumbai Mantralaya on Wednesday, attended by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and senior civic officials.
Naik instructed the municipal administration to identify and clear all illegal settlements recorded in the mangrove zones and to implement effective measures to prevent repeat encroachments. “Encroachments in mangrove areas must be removed without delay, and the administration must ensure that such violations do not recur,” Naik said, underscoring the state’s commitment to environmental protection.
Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde briefed the minister on the ongoing anti-encroachment drive, highlighting that over 700 illegal hutments have already been cleared from mangrove land. He also detailed how the NMMC is leveraging technology for real-time surveillance and long-term mangrove conservation.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Commissioner Dr. Rahul Gethe, City Engineer Shirish Ardavad, Town Planning Officer Somnath Kekan, Encroachment Department Officer Kailash Gaikwad, and forest department officials, reflecting a coordinated approach to safeguarding Navi Mumbai’s mangroves.
