Thanks to the proactive involvement of citizens, the long-standing issue of dumped debris in the mangrove zone near T S Chanakya wetland in Nerul has finally been addressed. Newsband initially highlighted this concern on March 16, 2024, urging authorities to take necessary action.

Following numerous complaints from environmental activists, the Anti Encroachment department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) conducted a survey of the debris dumping site between Creek and Karave village near TS Chanakya wetland on April 12. Subsequently, NMMC dispatched a van to clear the debris, completing the removal process recently. Additionally, NMMC repaired the broken barricade on Palm Beach Road, a crucial access point for the culprits involved in the dumping.

The unchecked destruction of mangroves in the vast mangrove belt along Palm Beach Road had stirred outcry among residents over the past few months. Complaints were lodged by residents of Sector 6 Palm Beach Road, NRI complex residents, and members of the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group in Nerul with the Vigilance department of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) regarding mangrove destruction, illegal encroachments, and the cutting and burning of mangroves on CIDCO land. However, no action had been taken until now.

Sunil Agarwal, a prominent green activist and founder of the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group, expressed his frustration, stating that despite a clear judgment from the Bombay High Court in September 2018 to protect mangroves, destruction had persisted. Agarwal highlighted the failure of CIDCO to transfer mangroves to the forest department, even five years after the court's order, and the lack of strong action to safeguard these critical ecosystems. Agarwal lodged complaints via the newly launched 'Mangrove Suraksha' App of the Mangrove Grievance Redressal committee, leading to a thorough survey of the area and the subsequent removal of truckloads of debris near the T S Chanakya wetland.

Citizens are relieved that complaints submitted through the Mangrove Suraksha App have been taken seriously, marking a positive step towards preserving and protecting mangroves in the region.