Mumbai: Encroachment removal drive conducted in Manori mangrove area

Pic/Special Arrangement

An encroachment removal drive was carried out on April 16, 2026, at 10 am in Manori, Survey No. 295 (Land No. 3184), under the jurisdiction of the West Mumbai Mangrove Cell, Mangrove Division (North Konkan).

The action was undertaken in compliance with the Bombay High Court's directions in Public Interest Litigation No. 87 of 2006 and based on the 2005 MRSAC maps. The 186.500-hectare area at Manori was officially handed over to the Mangrove Cell on October 3, 2013.

Notice issued before action under Gorai Range case

In connection with an earlier offence registered under the Gorai Range (Case No. E-02/2021-22 dated April 30, 2021), a public notice had been issued by the Range Forest Officer, West Mumbai. Following due process, the encroachment removal action was executed on Thursday.

Unauthorised cricket pitch demolished

During the operation, an unauthorised cricket pitch spread over 100 sq. m. was demolished as part of the drive.

Officials and agencies present during operation

The drive was conducted under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer D.P. Khade, Assistant Conservator of Forests D.G. Rakshe, and Range Forest Officer S.G. Kavathe (Kandalvan). Forest staff, along with officials from the BMC, representatives of Gorai Police Station, personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force, and other staff members, were present during the operation.

Previous action in March

In March, the Mangrove Cell had also carried out an encroachment removal operation at Ganpat Patil Nagar, where 39 illegal structures were demolished.