In a massive drive against illegal encroachments on mangrove forest land, the mangrove cell of the forest department has demolished over 100 structures at Ganpat Patil Nagar in Dahisar. Post 2005, many illegal structures had come up on the mangroves reserved forest area at Ganpat Patil Nagar. The action was taken over a period of three days that started on October 31.

Speaking to mid-day, Range Forest Officer Sachin Khune said, “The mangrove cell staff along with the help of the police, BMC staff and revenue department staff demolished 123 illegal structures that had come up on two hectares of reserved forest land.” Before demolishing the illegal structures, a notice was issued a couple of months ago to those occupying these structures. “To ensure encroachments don’t recur, we will be constructing a compound wall after obtaining necessary approvals. The work of restoring the mangrove forest will be undertaken in this clearing by planting mangroves,” said Khune.