MMRDA seeks clarification on Mahim park from forest dept

Mumbai: The redevelopment plan of Mahim Nature Park by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is on hold even as environmental activists have alleged that redevelopment is taking place on forestland. The authority has now written to principal secretary of forest department to seek clarifications on the extent of protected forests that cover the park.

Stalin D, director of Vanashakti, an NGO, who had sought a Right to Information reply earlier, revealed that the land belongs to the forest department.

“We have written to the principal secretary to clarify details on the forest land,” said a senior MMRDA official.

In a letter given to Mr Stalin, the MMRDA said, “The MMRDA is seeking clarifications from the forest department and GoM about the extent of protected forest and/or reserved forest that covers Maharashtra/ Mahim Nature Park and also requested the forest department to indicate the limitations and restrictions and the activities permissible in the area.”