Mangrove forests along Maharashtra’s coastline are vital ecosystems that protect coastal communities from flooding and erosion while supporting rich biodiversity. However, for many years, large areas of mangroves were under the control of development authorities and government agencies such as CIDCO, JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority), and other departments. This situation made these fragile ecosystems vulnerable to dumping, encroachment, and infrastructure development.

Vanashakti played a key role in advocating for the legal protection of mangrove ecosystems and ensuring that these areas are transferred to the Forest Department for proper conservation. Through sustained environmental advocacy and legal action in the Bombay High Court, the issue of mangrove protection was brought into the national spotlight.

Following the High Court’s orders directing government agencies to hand over mangrove lands to the Forest Department, thousands of hectares of mangrove forests across Maharashtra have now been transferred for protection. This landmark step ensures that these ecosystems are managed under forest laws and monitored more effectively against destruction and encroachment.

The transfer of mangrove lands from agencies such as CIDCO, JNPA, and other government bodies represents a major victory for environmental protection and coastal ecosystem conservation in Maharashtra.

Key Achievements

• Over 26,778 hectares of mangrove land across Maharashtra have been transferred to the Forest Department for protection following court orders.

• CIDCO transfers

  • 281.77 hectares of mangroves handed over in Navi Mumbai (Panvel region).

  • 68.4 hectares transferred in a second phase in Ulwe, Wahal and Waghiwali areas.

• JNPT / Central agencies

  • Around 900–1,014 hectares of mangroves identified for transfer to the Forest Department from port and infrastructure authorities.

• Statewide transfers

  • In recent compliance actions, 955 hectares across seven coastal districts were handed over following court monitoring.

Impact

• Mangrove ecosystems brought under legal protection as forest land

• Strengthened enforcement against dumping and encroachments

• Protection of critical coastal biodiversity and fish breeding habitats

• Enhanced climate resilience for coastal communities