17 March,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
NGO Vanashakti alleges large-scale discrepancies in mangrove compensatory afforestation (Pic/Stallin D)
Environmental NGO Vanashakti has alleged large-scale discrepancies in mangrove compensatory afforestation linked to the Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road project. Vanshakti also accused the authorities of misleading the Bombay High Court and warned of possible perjury proceedings.
While writing a letter to the civic authorities and forest officials, Vanashakti director Stalin D. has demanded an immediate halt to mangrove cutting for the project. He further claimed that official submissions regarding plantation and survival rates are "false and misleading".
According to the NGO, authorities had stated that around 13.7 lakh mangroves were planted at Survey No. 342 in Bhayandar, with a survival rate of 90 per cent and protective chain-link fencing at the site. However, following a site visit, the NGO claimed these assertions do not match ground reality.
On the contrary, NGO Vanashakti alleged that no chain-link fencing exists at the site and said such protection would be impractical, as saplings were planted along fishbone channels. They further claimed that these channels were found completely dry, with no tidal water flow for over a month.
The NGO further stated that over 90 per cent of the Ceriops tagal saplings that are used for the plantation have died. Describing the site conditions as "dry and like desert sand, the letter by the NGO also noted, "The truth is that the plantation has completely failed."
NGO Vanshakti also questioned the choice of species and location, claiming the area is already densely populated with Avicennia marina mangroves, leaving no space for additional plantations.
Furthermore, the NGO alleged that smaller Ceriops tagal saplings were introduced within an existing mangrove patch, calling the exercise "unscientific" and "haphazard", and arguing that it cannot qualify as compensatory afforestation.
Alleging that fully grown mangrove trees were cut to make space for planting smaller saplings in several locations, the NGO also claimed that key documents, including Stage-II clearance, are not reflected on official platforms, while survival rates have been overstated.
Raising serious allegations, Vanashakti has accused concerned government departments of misleading the court and said it would initiate contempt of court and perjury proceedings if corrective steps are not taken within 48 hours.
The NGO has urged authorities to immediately stop any further mangrove cutting for the project, revisit the entire plan, and place the "true facts" before the court before proceeding further.
