Mangroves under threat: Encroachment rises on 40-km stretch of Bhuigaon beach in Vasai

As beach-goers ride toward the Bhuigaon beach in Vasai, they pass by barren mangroves, a reminder of the once lush swamps in the area lying about 40 km north of Mumbai, now decaying as the tidal marshes dry up every day.
Despite the Bombay High Court?s ban on construction on wetlands, encroachment continues on this stretch of mangroves, permanently affecting the flora of the area. Bhuigaon?s population of 5,500 villagers said they are deeply concerned about their wetlands, one of 17 in the Mumbai region, even as local authorities respond too slowly.
The mangrove belt of about 18 kilometres between Vasai Fort and Arnala Fort has been endangered for nearly a decade now by rapid construction in the area.
- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mangroves-under-threat-encroachment-rises-on-40-km-stretch-of-bhuigaon-beach-in-vasai-2804438/#sthash.PHuvHrg4.dpuf
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