The destruction of Mumbai's mangroves and rampant illegal cutting of trees for coastal road and development projects is very irreversible for our environment leading to climate change and dangerous for survival of life. These essential green lungs are not just trees; they are the lifeline of our city as they absorb the carbon and help in reducing air pollution. Without them, the very fabric of our ecosystem begins to unravel.

As someone who has witnessed the transformation of our city's landscape, I've seen the direct impact of deforestation. If we continue to allow this destruction, we face a future fraught with environmental crises: reduced rainfall, vanishing groundwater, desolate forests, and ultimately the loss of wildlife habitats that sustain our tigers, lions, birds, and other species.

Mumbai, a city already prone to flooding, cannot afford the destruction of its mangroves. These natural bulwarks act as shields against the onslaught of storms and heavy rains. Without them, the city is vulnerable to devastating floods, threatening lives, homes, and infrastructure. The experience of increased storm frequency in recent years aligns with global patterns seen in countries like America, where deforestation has exacerbated storm intensity and frequency.

Fishes, crocodile,birds also live inside due to the mangroves. Fishery occupation is also affected. Koli community has been worshipping and preserving the mangroves since several decades. It is deeply rooted with their Koli culture and significance as a fisherman.

Statistics show that Mumbai's green cover has been dwindling at an alarming rate. According to a report by the Forest Department, over a thousand trees have been cut illegally in the last year alone for developmental purposes, endangered not only our environment but also our future.

To address this urgent issue, we propose several actionable steps. Firstly, enforce stricter regulations to prevent illegal tree cutting and prosecute offenders with heavy penalties. Secondly, launch a replanting initiative to replenish our mangroves and urban forests. Finally, prioritize green spaces and ecological buffer zones in all future development plans to ensure sustainable growth.

It's time we take a stand for Mumbai's environment, for our future generations, and for the biodiversity that makes our city unique. Let us not remain silent witnesses to this destruction. The time to act is now.

India is not following Sustainable Development Goals for climate change. 

There is reduction in ground water due to rampant deforestation, and low rainfall, heat waves leading to deaths of birds, lions, tigers. Thus low rainfall leading to less drinking water. Residents and wildlife has scarcity of borewell water, underground water, rivers ,lakes,ponds and thus drinking water. 

Join me in demanding that the authorities take immediate action to protect our precious mangroves and trees. Let us work together to ensure Mumbai remains a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable city for generations to come.

Sign this petition to urge the government and relevant authorities to take these necessary steps to save Mumbai's environment.

#SaveMumbaiMangroves #Mumbai CoastalRoad #Borewellwater #MumbaiFloods #KoliCulture #Fishery #Water