Enhanced Surveillance Set to Shield Mangroves in Mumbai Metropolitan Region

The Maharashtra Forest Department has initiated steps to implement a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system, in response to long-standing demands from environmentalists. This strategic initiative involves deploying a network of 669 high-tech cameras, costing about Rs 120 crore, to monitor 195 designated "sensitive" mangrove areas across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The surveillance stretch spans from Dahisar to the Panje wetland and from Colaba to Panvel, incorporating locations like Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran.

Technological Advancements in Monitoring

S V Ramarao, the head of the Mangrove Cell, articulated that the project aims to bolster the security of mangrove zones while fostering public confidence in the government's environmental stewardship efforts. The system will feature advanced technologies, including an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system that integrates data from multiple national databases such as 'Vaahan Sarathi', Passport services, the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems, Prisons, and the Automated Multimodal Biometric Identification System.

Tender Process and Implementation Timeline

The State Mangrove Cell released a request for proposal earlier this week, setting the stage for e-tenders to be submitted by September 24th, with the winners scheduled to be announced on October 15th. If the plan unfolds as scheduled, the surveillance network is expected to be operational within a year.

Community and Activist Responses

B N Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation, who has campaigned for over half a decade for mangrove conservation and surveillance, expressed relief over the government's proactive approach. Nandakumar Pawar, leading the Sagar Shakti group, also welcomed the coverage of the Panje wetland, highlighting its official recognition as a wetland area.

Challenges to Mangrove Conservation

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Kumar emphasized ongoing illegal mangrove destruction under various governmental jurisdictions, including CIDCO and JNPA. He also noted that lands allotted to the Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Authority have yet to see effective mangrove protection.

Ongoing Legal Actions

In a separate but related development, the second FIR concerning the unlawful cutting of mangroves was lodged six months after the initial complaint. The case, concerning the felling of a dozen mangrove trees behind the TS Chanakya maritime institute, marks a continued struggle against ecological violations in the region.