The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of the matter relating to significant reduction in the mangrove stretches in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 25.06.2024.
As per the article, these vital ecosystems have been reduced to a few small patches and are now threatened by ongoing development.
The article highlights that this loss is concerning given the crucial role mangroves play in protecting shorelines from erosion and providing habitat for diverse wildlife.
The article alleges that historically extensive, these mangroves now exist in small, endangered patches. The Meghadri Gedda, a rain-fed drain flowing into the Bay of Bengal near Visakhapatnam harbour which once supported a vibrant mangrove ecosystem, has been particularly affected, with construction debris posing a significant threat.
Furthermore, it is stated that in the 1990s, mangroves stretched from the Naval Dockyard Bridge to areas like Sheela Nagar and Gnanapuram, reaching heights up to 5 metres. However, due to construction and infrastructure development, their size has drastically reduced. By 2008, their height had diminished to 3 metres, and the canopy also shrank.
The article further alleges that the mangrove patch near the Gosthani river mouth in Bheemili is also diminished and awaits replantation approval. A 2023 study by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education-Coastal Ecosystem Centre (ICFRE-CEC) identified approximately 220 hectares of mangrove patches in the Visakhapatnam district, but these were not included in the Forest Survey of India report. It is stated that the decline in mangrove habitats has also impacted bird species. Near-threatened species like the Eurasian curlew, Oriental darter, and black-headed ibis have seen significant declines. The fishing community, which relies on the mangrove ecosystem for fish production is also facing economic and livelihood challenges.
The above matter indicated Bench violation of the provisions of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, CRZ Rules 1991 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi , Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(i) Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
(ii) Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Andhra Pradesh.
(iii) Chief Wildlife Warden, Andhra Pradesh.
(iv) National Coastal Zone Management Authority, Through its Chairperson.
(v) Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority, Through its Chairman.
(vi) District Magistrate, Visakhapatnam.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents.
Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Southern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action.Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Southern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 23.09.2024.