The Gujarat High Court on Friday issued notices to the central government, state government and Amreli district authorities for allegedly illegally felling mangroves in Jaffrabad area for construction of a cricket field.
Noting that the issue required consideration, a division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayi issued directions to protect Jaffrabad and to take action against the officials who had allowed the illegal activities. The company has issued a notice saying it is considering a public interest litigation request to the court. Removal of mangrove forests in the area.
According to the PIL moved by Haresh Bambaniya of Amreli, “indiscriminate cutting and destruction of mangroves is being carried out in and around Jaffrabad town of Amreli, more specifically in Sama Kanta Creek area”. The petitioner also submitted that on December 22, 2023, heavy machinery such as JCB machinery was used to clear the land, after which the mangroves were uprooted and the construction of the playground was in progress.
After repeated requests, the district administration provided Vanbaniya with a communication from local MLA Hirabai Solanki in a letter to the district collector dated December 31, 2023. Jaffrabad has no such field.
Emphasizing that the land where the mangroves are located falls under the regulated area under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, Mr. Bambaniya, through advocate Abhishek Mehta, said that the land in question falls under the 'high tide line' where no construction activities are possible. Then he insisted further. Within 500 meters from the landward side of the high tide line as prescribed under CRZ-I Notification.
The court asked the environment ministry, state government, district collector and mamlatdar to respond to the allegations raised in the petition by the next date of hearing.
© Indian Express Private Limited
Date first uploaded: April 5, 2024 01:43 IST