Bombay HC Orders Kandivali Pond Encroachment Removal

The Bombay High Court has directed the Mumbai Suburban District administration to remove encroachments around a natural lake in Charkop, Kandivali West, without showing any favour to anyone.

The court's order came in response to a petition filed by the BMC seeking permission to undertake conservation and beautification work at the lake. The lake is located within the 50-metre buffer zone of mangroves and has been affected by encroachments and garbage dumping.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad said the administration must act independently and strictly in accordance with law. The court also said it would closely monitor the progress of the encroachment removal and ensure that the affidavit filed by the district administration does not turn out to be an eyewash.

The district administration has already carried out joint inspections, physical verification, and identification and classification of structures, and has issued statutory notices to the encroachers. The administration has assured the court that structures legally liable for removal and not protected by any statutory restriction would be removed within six weeks after September 30, 2026.

The court has also directed the district administration to plant fresh mangrove saplings after clearing the encroachments, noting that the illegal structures had eaten up the mangrove cover. The BMC has been allowed to proceed with the lake's beautification, but has been cautioned to proactively prevent further dumping and continuously maintain the lake and surrounding mangroves.

The BMC has proposed the construction of a gabion wall to regulate the inflow of water and prevent garbage from entering the lake. The civic body will have to coordinate with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, Forest Department, MHADA, and revenue authorities to ensure compliance with the court's directions.

The court's order is a significant step towards the conservation and beautification of the lake, which is an important part of Kandivali's ecosystem. The removal of encroachments and the planting of fresh mangrove saplings will help to restore the lake's natural beauty and prevent further environmental damage.

The petition will be heard again on September 11 to review the stage-wise compliance of the court's directions. The court's decision is a positive step towards the protection of Mumbai's environment and the preservation of its natural resources.

The Bombay High Court's order has sent a strong message that the administration must act independently and strictly in accordance with law, without showing any favour to anyone. The court's decision is a significant victory for the people of Kandivali and the environment, and is expected to have a positive impact on the conservation and beautification of the lake.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's order to remove encroachments around the Kandivali lake is a significant step towards the conservation and beautification of the lake. The court's decision is a positive step towards the protection of Mumbai's environment and the preservation of its natural resources, and is expected to have a positive impact on the ecosystem of the lake.