Municipal corporation begins setting up watch post and CCTV system
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, May 13, 2025: The local authorities have now turned their attention to illegal encroachments in the mangrove areas of Malvani, Malad West, where debris is being dumped. A permanent surveillance post and a CCTV monitoring system will soon be set up at the Marve T Junction. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has been continuously following up on the issue, and a “close watch” through CCTV and observation posts will be maintained on debris mafias. A special campaign will be launched for this purpose.
In the Malvani area, approximately 8 hectares (80,000 sq. meters) of mangrove land are under threat, as some groups are attempting to make unauthorized geographic changes and construct illegal slums by cutting mangroves and dumping debris. This has raised serious concerns about environmental balance, prompting urgent action.
Minister Piyush Goyal had demanded the establishment of a surveillance post and installation of CCTV systems at the Madh-Marve T Junction to stop this activity. Following this demand, the municipal corporation and forest department have jointly initiated concrete measures. Similar successful actions were earlier taken by the forest department against debris mafias in Borivali West’s MHB Colony and Eksar area. A large-scale operation is now expected in the Malvani area as well.
Regular updates on encroachments are being collected through satellite imaging and mapping. This data is shared with relevant departments to facilitate necessary action. The administration is also planning a detailed survey of mangroves to find ways for their conservation and protection. Union Minister Goyal has expressed hope that this centrally led campaign will serve as a model to curb encroachments in this environmentally sensitive region.
Marriage Mandaps Set Up on Mangroves Using Debris Fill
In the Malvani area, illegal constructions are rampant. Especially in the mangrove zones, debris is being dumped to erect wedding mandaps. According to local residents, around seven such mandaps have been illegally constructed and are being rented out for events at rates of ₹60,000–₹70,000.
This encroachment is causing significant environmental degradation and poses a threat to public safety. Residents have demanded immediate action from the authorities to remove these illegal mandaps and restore the area to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Unauthorized Meat Shops Near Shivshankar Temple, Devotees Troubled
At Gaikwad Nagar (Gate No. 7) in Malvani’s M.H.B. Colony, the self-established Shivshankar Temple is a place of worship for Hindu devotees. However, unauthorized chicken and mutton shops are operating freely around the temple. Animals are being slaughtered nearby, and waste water is being dumped on the streets, causing a severe stench.
This foul smell is disturbing the sentiments of visiting devotees. Additionally, shopkeepers have encroached on the footpath, forcing devotees to walk dangerously on the road. This is adversely affecting cleanliness, public health, and religious harmony in the area.
Local citizens have urged the administration to immediately shut down these unauthorized meat shops and to clear the temple’s surrounding footpaths for the safety and convenience of worshippers.
