Mumbai: After The Asian Age reported about the destruction of 50 acres of wetlands in Gorai, allegedly by the Essel Group, the Borivali tehsildar along with civic and forest department officials will inspect the site soon. According to a letter written by the tehsildar, a probe report will be prepared after visiting the site. According to the letter, the site inspection was slated to be conducted at 11.30 am on Thursday after which a detailed report will be submitted to the tehsildar. However, Borivali tehsildar Archana Mule said, “Due to an urgent court matter I am not able to conduct the visit the site on Thursday. It has been postponed to May second week.”
A Dahisar activist who has been writing letters to the authorities, asking them to take action, alleged the visit has been delayed deliberately. Speaking to The Asian Age Harish Pandey said, “I am a part of the inspection team too, but haven’t been informed about the postponement of the visit to the site.”
This comes after a confidential report by chief conservator of forest of mangroves cell accessed by The Asian Age claimed that Pan India Paryatan Ltd of Essel Group destroyed mangroves land to carry out the construction of a resort in the wetlands of Gorai. New Link Roads Association Forum claimed that 50 acres of wetlands in Gorai have been destroyed. The forum claimed that it had alerted all the concerned authorities when the wetland was destructed. It had also shown the satellite images of the destruction of additional 35 acres wetlands to the authorities.
The Essel World spokesperson said, “We are not aware of any such inspection. We would further like to reiterate that ecological balance is of prime importance to us and as a responsible organisation we ensure absolute accountability in every initiative of ours.”
