A legal notice has been served on multiple authorities, including the Thane police, over alleged destruction of mangroves and debris dumping in a CRZ-I zone, with inspections confirming reclamation activity
The site near the Rabodi helipad, where activists allege dumping occurs despite official notices. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Thane-based environmentalist Rohit Joshi has served a legal notice to the Thane police commissioner over alleged illegal dumping and land reclamation in a protected Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) near the Rabodi helipad, with fingers being pointed at the police department. mid-day had earlier reported the matter, following which a site inspection by the Thane tehsildar’s office confirmed that debris dumping had taken place at the location.
The notice has also been served on the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, the Thane district collector and the divisional forest officer of the Mangrove Cell (North Konkan). It pertains to alleged illegal reclamation, dumping of debris and destruction of mangroves in a CRZ-I/CRZ-IB area.
Citing violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the notice flags continued damage to inter-tidal wetlands and mangrove patches in the ecologically sensitive zone. Joshi, founder and president of the Yeoor Environmental Society, told mid-day, “The destruction of mangroves in a CRZ-I zone is a serious offence. The legal notice has been issued as repeated complaints did not translate into ground-level action.” He warned that continued degradation of wetlands increase flooding risks during the monsoon.
Timeline
Nov 17, 2025: Residents of Akashganga Complex report wetland reclamation to the tehsildar and Rabodi police
Nov 20, 2025: Mangrove RFO inspects site; confirms mangrove destruction and debris dumping
Nov 25, 2025: Joshi flags illegal dumping to authorities
Dec 18, 2025: ACP’s office seeks permission to “level” land for compensatory afforestation
Dec 22, 2025: Thane collector orders a probe
Jan 6, 2026: TMC inspection confirms reclamation by the police department
Jan 9, 2026: TMC writes to Rabodi police seeking action
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