THE environmental value of the forest finally overtook its commercial value, and the forests and mangroves are being increasingly looked upon by everyone as the only remedy for pollution as well as being the only source of pure water and oxygen.

Consequently the need for the conservation and protection of these lands has gained new dimensions.

Says Dr. Himmatrao Patil the Deputy Conservator of forests, for Mumbai and Thane, “These mangroves have their own life, and are a breeding grounds for a variety of shell fish like prawns, fish shells and other of the same ilk, it is also a transitory point to a host of migratory birds that alight here. The dietary and other interaction with these marine animals that breed here go deeper into the sea when they reach maturity. If these mangroves are destroyed they in turn will snap a link in the eco system, which will have its own ramifications. Don’t forget they are also our first line of defence against a Tsunami. In most cases it is also our last line of defence. If these mangroves go you think about what will happen.”

“At present these lands are with the revenue department and we are in the process of having them give to the forest department for management. The State government had issued instructions to hand over this land to us for management in 2001. The order was released in 2004, and so far we have succeeded in acquiring about one hundred and eighty three hectares under various schemes. We are in the process of acquiring the balance,” he added.

After Independence, the Govt. policies regarding the forests of India turned 180 degrees. From a policy of using forest commercially, the focus shifted to conserving the environment for the benefit of people, and their future. Speaking with Range Forest Officer Sameer Deshpande, Borivlli Nationsl Park, one learns that this forward movement is taking place rapidly and getting stronger with the vociferous involvement of NGO’s and other like-minded people, who are playing active roles by influencing the government forest policies and its implementation. They are also sensitising people on the importance of these laws and policies, for the present and the future.

The hard work of these bodies with the government department has paid off handsomely, public help is needed and there are no two ways about that.

Affirms Dr. Patil “Now that these mangrove lands are with the forest department the process of surveying demarcation is going on. Once this is over the territory will be restructured and will be protected further by using beat patrols, which will make sure that there is no encroachment or misuse like dumping. These lands will now acquire a status of a reserve, and will have all the protection laws working in its facvour.”

Dr. Patil concludes, “We will be creating awareness among the locals not to fell trees and teach the importance of growing them instead. Most these are cut for firewood used in the process making local liquor.”