Forest Minister Ganesh Naik Directs Measures for Pollution-Free Forests and Environment

1,239 Hectares Added to Mangrove Forests in Maharashtra

Thane : Maharashtra’s Forest Minister, Ganesh Naik, announced today that the state’s mangrove forest area has increased by 1,239 hectares over the past two years.

Minister Naik conducted an inspection tour from the Biodiversity Center Jetty in Airoli Sector 10 to the Jetty at Belapur via the creek. Senior officials from the Mangrove Department, including Shri Ramarao, Smt. Sawant, Smt. Pawar, Shri Gajbhiye, and Shri Bahadure, as well as Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Chief Engineer Shri Ardawad and UDDP official Shri Kekaan, were present during the visit.

This inspection was part of the state government’s 100-day action plan. The Biodiversity Center attracts millions of tourists annually, and efforts have been made to enhance visitor facilities. The Forest Department strives to maintain a conducive environment for flamingos, whose population has risen from a few thousand to around 150,000. Minister Naik instructed forest officials to implement measures for cleaning plastic waste, oil spills, and untreated wastewater in the sea. He also directed discussions with relevant industries, the environment department, and the ports authority on these issues.

Over the past two years, Maharashtra’s mangrove cover has expanded by 1,239 hectares. The Forest Department has been conducting mangrove replantation programs. The Coast Guard regularly patrols the creeks using advanced equipment to prevent mangrove destruction, ensuring their protection. Minister Naik warned that encroachments on mangroves would first be addressed through dialogue, but legal action would follow if violations continued. He also directed that Diva Jetty be made operational 24/7 for commuters and fishermen.

Additionally, the Forest Department plans to create a Mangrove Wood Walk at the Biodiversity Center in Airoli, similar to the one already established in Gorai. Tourists will be able to walk on wooden bridges and experience mangrove tourism. Minister Naik emphasized the need for public participation and awareness to achieve plastic-free cities, pollution-free forests, and clean seas.