Mangroves, planted by the state forest department along the Kovalam creek, are in danger as nearby construction work threatens to destroy them
Locals and workers at the site said that the construction of the building began several months ago, but the compound wall has been there for nearly a year. Environmentalists said that such construction in mangrove habitats destroys the purpose of the plant and that work must be stopped if it poses a threat to the biodiversity or if the land is under CRZ (coastal regulation zone). They should come under wetlands authority or an exclusive mangroves department under the department of forests,” said T D Babu, a marine biologist.
On the other end, a fence was erected separating the plants from buildings, and a wall was brushing against the mangroves. Govt must give the same importance to mangroves in Kovalam that it gives in Pazhaverkadu and Pichavaram, he added. When TOI visited the site near Muttukadu bridge on Wednesday, a building was being built on one side with its compound wall a few metres from the mangroves.
Chengalpet district forest officer Girish Haribhau said that constructions along mangrove habitats are harmful and that he would send a team to inspect the site. We will check for the records and carry out inspections in the next few days,” he said. Chengalpet collector M Veerappan said that the areas adjoining the creek included poromboke lands as well as areas falling under CRZ. We will have to check where the construction falls under and then make a decision,” he said.
“We will have to first check with the revenue department to see who owns the land. Only then can we decide on action. “There are a few patta lands in the mix too.