The Maharashtra government has approved a plan to install 669 CCTV cameras across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to monitor 195 eco-sensitive zones in an effort to curb the destruction and encroachment of mangroves.
The initiative, to be deployed in two phases, will be spearheaded by the state’s forest department at a cost of Rs 119.88 crore. It will be funded by the Maharashtra Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation.
The government resolution issued on Friday detailed the plan, which covers various locations, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi, Panvel, and Uran. The project aims to enhance surveillance in these vulnerable areas and prevent illegal activities that threaten mangrove ecosystems.
The project was approved by a high-power committee, which included provisions for both the installation of the cameras and their maintenance for five years. To streamline the execution, the project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will focus on 115 highly sensitive zones, while the remaining 80 sensitive locations will be addressed in the second phase.
In Mumbai alone, 57 locations have been earmarked for protection, with 135 CCTV cameras slated for installation. These areas are critical to mangrove conservation as the city continues to grapple with the twin challenges of urbanisation and environmental degradation.
The surveillance system will incorporate three types of cameras: fixed CCTV cameras, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, and automatic number plate capture (ANPC) cameras. These technologies will ensure comprehensive monitoring and allow authorities to respond swiftly to potential threats.
Mangroves play an indispensable role in protecting coastal regions like Mumbai, serving as natural barriers against flooding and storm surges, stabilising soil, and acting as valuable carbon sinks. The protection of these ecosystems is crucial for a city like Mumbai, which is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
Maharashtra boasts of a total mangrove cover of approximately 32,000 hectares, with 16,984 hectares classified as legal forests. Any diversion of this land for non-forestry purposes requires clearance under the Forest Clearance Act of 1980. Protecting this vital ecosystem is not only crucial for biodiversity but also for the long-term resilience of the region against climate-induced challenges. With the state government’s decision to prioritise mangrove conservation through advanced surveillance technology, it marks a proactive step toward safeguarding Mumbai’s ecological future.
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