July 22, 2025: Ahead of construction on the Versova–Bhayandar Sea Link, Charkop-based environmentalist Mili Shetty plans to write to the BMC, urging it to relocate birds nesting in the area’s mangroves before any trees are felled. According to the BMC, the project will permanently affect around 9,000 mangrove trees, with another 36,000 temporarily impacted during construction.
The BMC recently announced that work would go as deep as 30 meters into the Charkop mangrove belt. Shetty, a long-time resident and nature activist, is seeking measures to protect the birds before construction begins. “Cuckoos, kingfishers, and the black winged kite are among the 150 species of birds that visit the 136 hectares of mangroves at Charkop,” she said, adding that the rare bittern bird was also spotted in 2019.
Shetty is set to write to the BMC’s tree department requesting the safe relocation of birds’ nests. She cited the recent incident in Thane during a tree trimming drive that led to the destruction of nests, resulting in the death of 45 herons and the rescue of 27 others.
Alongside her environmental concerns, Shetty also plans to suggest a community-friendly initiative. She will approach the BMC’s R South office with a proposal to build a garden beneath the new interchange bridge once the sea link project is completed. The proposed garden would include a walking track and seating arrangements for senior citizens.
As the sea link aims to improve urban connectivity, residents like Shetty are pushing for a development model that balances infrastructure with ecological sensitivity.
Source: Hindustan Times
