Consult Gujarat for mangrove conservation, Maharashtra told
By IANSWednesday, July 7, 2010
DANDI - Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh Wednesday counselled Maharashtra to consult the Gujarat Ecological Commission (GEC) for conservation of mangroves likely to be destroyed by the construction of the proposed Navi Mumbai airport.
Talking to mediapersons here, the minister expressed concern at the likelihood of mangrove destruction in about 400 acres if the work on the Navi Mumbai airport is taken up.
“It would be advisable if the Maharashtra government consults the GEC in taking up compensatory planting of mangroves to offset the loss,” he said.
Gujarat has increased the area under mangroves in the state from 200 sq kms over a decade ago to almost 1,000 sq kms now.
“Mangroves play a very major role in arresting coastal soil erosion,” Ramesh added.
