Bhayandar: Environmental activists staged a symbolic protest near the Mangrove Beat Office in Mira-Bhayandar on June 15, lashing out against Akshay Gajbhiyye divisional forest officer (DCF) for alleged negligence, corruption, and arrogance in addressing rampant mangrove destruction in the region.

Protesters cleaned portions of the mangrove forest and used collected trash to create a striking visual message: अक्षय गजभिये हे जनते चे नोकर आहेत, राजा नाहीत! (Akshay Gajbhiyye is a public servant, not a king!).

The demonstration was an outcome of mounting frustration over what activists describe as the forest department’s repeated failure to act on hundreds of complaints regarding mangrove encroachment and degradation.

“Mangroves are vanishing, yet the DCF shrugs off responsibility. He speaks arrogantly and refuses to answer legitimate public queries. This is a clear violation of administrative ethics,” alleged Dhiraj Parab, an activist.

Environmentalist Harshad Dhage said, “Ignoring complaints, refusing accountability, and behaving with arrogance is unbecoming of a public servant. Such an officer should be immediately removed from service.”

Activists have warned of an indefinite sit-in protest outside the Forest Department office on June 20 if no action is taken within seven days.