Environmentalists have alleged that once again illegal landfill on wetlands and mangroves has begun under Navi Mumbai SEZ in Uran, along Bhendkhal Road. It seems some contractors are taking advantage of the COVID-19 restrictions to carry out the land filling. The land filling is being done for the second time in less than a year.

The Bombay High Court-appointed Mangrove and Wetlands Committee had earlier halted the landfill by NMSEZ at Pagote and Bhendkhal. Environmentalists claim that Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray had ordered the stopping of construction at Panje wetland in the project.