Residents and environmental activists held a protest against the proposed felling of nearly 45,000 mangroves for the Versova–Dahisar coastal road project. The peaceful demonstration, led by activist Natasha Pereira, highlighted concerns over flooding, coastal erosion, and the ecological impact of large-scale infrastructure development (PICS/SATEJ SHINDE)
Updated On: 2025-12-21 05:53 PM IST
Compiled by : Divya Nair
Protesters hold placards opposing the cutting of nearly 45,000 mangroves for the coastal road project in Mumbai
They say mangroves act as natural shields against flooding and coastal erosion in the city
The protest follows the Bombay High Court’s approval for mangrove felling with conditions on compensatory plantation
Earlier in the day, former Maharashtra environment minister Aaditya Thackeray criticised the BJP-led government over environmental degradation across the state, highlighting issues ranging from mangrove cutting to forest encroachment and riverfront projects
"Over the past few years, we have seen Mumbai and other cities choke. Our food systems are collapsing due to the erratic monsoons. Climate has hit the core of our state's efficiency and productivity. Yet the BJP regime is cutting 45,000 mangroves and 'compensating' them 900 kms away- in Chandrapur," Thackeray said in a post on X
