ORDER

1. This Original Application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Rapid urbanisation takes toll on Mangroves in Vizag"

appearing in The New Indian Express dated 25.06.2024.

2. The matter relates to significant reduction in the Mangrove stretches in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. As per the article, these vital ecosystems have been reduced to a few small patches and are now threatened by ongoing development. The article highlights that this loss is concerning given the crucial role mangroves play in protecting shorelines from erosion and providing habitat for diverse wildlife.

3. The article alleges that historically extensive, these mangroves now exist in small, endangered patches. The Meghadri Gedda, a rain-fed drain flowing into the Bay of Bengal near Visakhapatnam harbour which once supported a vibrant mangrove ecosystem, has been particularly affected, with construction debris posing a significant threat. Furthermore, it is stated that in the 1990s, mangroves stretched from the Naval Dockyard Bridge to areas like Sheela Nagar and Gnanapuram, reaching heights up to 5 metres. However, due to construction and infrastructure development, their size has drastically reduced. By 2008, their height had diminished to 3 metres, and the canopy also shrank.

4. The article further alleges that the mangrove patch near the Gosthani river mouth in Bheemili is also diminished and awaits replantation approval. A 2023 study by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education-Coastal Ecosystem Centre (ICFRE-CEC) identified approximately 220 hectares of mangrove patches in the Visakhapatnam district, but these were not included in the Forest Survey of India report. It is stated that the decline in mangrove habitats has also impacted bird species. Near-threatened species like the Eurasian curlew, Oriental darter, and black-headed ibis have seen significant declines. The fishing community, which relies on the mangrove ecosystem for fish production is also facing economic and livelihood challenges.

5. The above news item indicates violation of the provisions of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, CRZ Rules 1991 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

6. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.

7 . Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

8. Hence, we implead following as respondents in this matter:

(i) Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Through its Regional Office, Integrated Regional Office (Vijayawada), Vijayawada Green House Complex, Gopalareddy Road, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520010 (ii) Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Andhra Pradesh, Aranya Bhavan, P.V.S.Land Mark, Near APIIC Towers, Mangalagiri, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh 522503 (iii) Chief Wildlife Warden, Andhra Pradesh, Aranya Bhawan, K.M. Munshi Road, Nagarampalem, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

522004 (iv) National Coastal Zone Management Authority, Through its Chairperson, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi – 110 003 (v) Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority, Through its Chairman, D.No. 33-26-14 D/2, Near Sunrise Hospital, Chalamavari Street, Kasturibaipet, Vijayawada -

520010 (vi) District Magistrate, Visakhapatnam, National Informatics Centre, Collectorate, Maharanipeta, Visakhapatnam-530002

9. Let notice be issued to the above Respondents for filing their response before the appropriate bench of the Tribunal.

10. Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, OA is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed to transfer the original record of the OA to Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai.

11. List before Southern Zo