300 citizens gather at Mumbai's Versova Beach, rally for protection of mangroves and green spaces
MUMBAI: In a show of collective environmental concern, nearly 300 citizens come together at Versova Beach on April 12 for a peaceful demonstration titled “Green Mumbai Sunday”, calling for the protection of the city’s mangroves, forests, and open spaces.
The event, organised by Save Mumbai Mangroves, brought together participants from multiple ongoing campaigns, including Save Aarey, Save SGNP, and other citizen-led initiatives focused on safeguarding urban green cover.
Participants marched from the beach’s main entrance to the Seven Bungalows rocks, raising slogans against ecological degradation and urging authorities to prioritise sustainable development . The march culminated in a gathering featuring speeches, songs and poetry centred on environmental conservation . A human chain formed along the shoreline symbolised unity and collective resistance.
Members of the Koli fishing community also addressed the gathering, highlighting the ecological and livelihood impact of mangrove destruction. “There are around 8-10 species of mangroves in this creek, many with medicinal properties. They are a treasure for the fishing community, and losing them to development would be a grave loss,” said Mohit, a community member.
Speakers alleged that local communities have not been adequately consulted in decision-making processes related to coastal and infrastructure projects.
The mobilisation comes in the backdrop of the proposed Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road, which received approval from the Bombay High Court in December 2025 and is expected to impact over 45,000 mangroves.
On the legal front, while the Supreme Court has not intervened so far, activists said fresh proceedings are being prepared on new grounds.
Organisers said the April 12 gathering pointed the need for sustained public engagement. “Development cannot come at the cost of survival,” a participant said, adding that the city’s ecological future hinges on accountability and citizen action.
The event, organised by Save Mumbai Mangroves, brought together participants from multiple ongoing campaigns, including Save Aarey, Save SGNP, and other citizen-led initiatives focused on safeguarding urban green cover.
Participants marched from the beach’s main entrance to the Seven Bungalows rocks, raising slogans against ecological degradation and urging authorities to prioritise sustainable development . The march culminated in a gathering featuring speeches, songs and poetry centred on environmental conservation . A human chain formed along the shoreline symbolised unity and collective resistance.
Members of the Koli fishing community also addressed the gathering, highlighting the ecological and livelihood impact of mangrove destruction. “There are around 8-10 species of mangroves in this creek, many with medicinal properties. They are a treasure for the fishing community, and losing them to development would be a grave loss,” said Mohit, a community member.
Speakers alleged that local communities have not been adequately consulted in decision-making processes related to coastal and infrastructure projects.
The mobilisation comes in the backdrop of the proposed Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road, which received approval from the Bombay High Court in December 2025 and is expected to impact over 45,000 mangroves.
On the legal front, while the Supreme Court has not intervened so far, activists said fresh proceedings are being prepared on new grounds.
Organisers said the April 12 gathering pointed the need for sustained public engagement. “Development cannot come at the cost of survival,” a participant said, adding that the city’s ecological future hinges on accountability and citizen action.
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