Last Updated: 22.04.25

Concerns regarding the dumping of solid waste on mangroves along the route to Kihim Beach were raised by the residents of Kihim villlage. In response, BEAG took immediate action by bringing the attention of key Government authorities to the issue, including the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the Raigad District Collector, and the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Mangrove Cell, urging them to address the issue and implement corrective measures.

A joint site inspection conducted with the residents, BEAG and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), revealed that the waste was being dumped and burned by the villages around the area causing significant harm to the mangroves and marine ecosystem and to the health of the residents living in the area.   

The waste, consisting of PET bottles, carry bags, food scraps, and vegetable waste, was in clear violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification and the High Court’s directives in the Mangrove PIL.

During a follow up site visit, it was revealed that the garbage was being transported to the site by the village Gram Panchayat garbage van.

To substantiate the damage, a GPS polygon survey was conducted by a forest officer from the Mangrove Cell, with further evidence provided through Google Earth imagery and Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) maps.

BEAG’s persistently followed up with the issue, however the dumping still continued, even after directions were issued to the village Gram Panchayat. The revenue authorities were compelled to file an FIR against the Sarpanch and members of the Gram Panchayat, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, for their role in the destruction of mangroves.

 As of now, the dumping has been stopped, however the larger issue of garbage management in rural areas still needs to be addressed.