Mumbai Contractor Faces Legal Action for Environmental Violation in Mangrove Area
The Versova police in Mumbai have taken decisive legal action against a contractor appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for serious environmental violations. An FIR has been officially registered under the stringent provisions of the Environment Protection Act for the unauthorized establishment of a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant within a protected mangrove forest ecosystem.
Complaints Through Official Channels Trigger Investigation
The case came to light through systematic complaints filed on government digital platforms. According to official records, the first complaint regarding this environmental infringement was submitted on the Aaple Sarkar portal on August 5, 2025. This was followed by another formal complaint registered on the specialized Mangroves Protection application on December 2, 2025, highlighting the persistent nature of the violation.
Joint Inspection Reveals Multiple Violations
Following these complaints, a comprehensive joint inspection was conducted at the site by a team comprising forest department officials and revenue department representatives. During this detailed examination, investigators discovered not just one, but two unauthorized installations. The contractor had established both a sewerage treatment plant and a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) manufacturing facility in the ecologically sensitive area.
The most alarming finding was the precise location of the RMC plant – situated within a mere 50 meters of the protected mangrove forest boundary, constituting a clear violation of environmental protection regulations.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Contractor
Based on the evidence gathered during the inspection and the formal complaint lodged by Hemant Worlikar, an officer from the state revenue department, the Versova police have registered a First Information Report against the contractor. The FIR specifically cites violations of environmental protection rules and the critical failure to obtain necessary permissions from the forest department before commencing any construction or industrial activity in the protected zone.
This case highlights the growing importance of digital complaint mechanisms in environmental protection and demonstrates how citizen and official complaints through platforms like Aaple Sarkar and specialized environmental apps can trigger concrete action against ecological violations.
The legal action underscores Mumbai authorities' increasing vigilance regarding protection of mangrove ecosystems, which serve as crucial natural barriers against coastal erosion and provide essential habitats for marine biodiversity. The case also raises important questions about contractor accountability and the monitoring processes for BMC-appointed service providers working in environmentally sensitive areas.
