The mangrove cover across Navi Mumbai continues to be under constant threat due to repeated encroachments. Shanties have come up on the mangrove stretch along the Sion-Panvel Highway in spite of a strict crackdown in December last year. To add to that, rampant debris-dumping activity continues to take place along the stretch.


The shanties along Vashi creek. Pics/Datta Kumbhar 

Over 100 makeshift shanties spread across an acre have come up near Vashi toll plaza and Kalamboli on the Sion-Panvel Highway. Construction of a temple is also underway near the banks of the mangrove creek near Kalamboli.