Over 600 CCTV Cameras to Monitor Mumbai’s Mangrove Areas

The maharashtra government has greenlit a plan to install 669 CCTV cameras throughout mumbai and the mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to monitor 195 eco-sensitive zones, aiming to combat the destruction and encroachment of mangroves.

This initiative, led by the state’s forest department, will be executed in two phases at a cost of Rs 119.88 crore, funded by the maharashtra Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation. A government resolution released on friday outlined the project, which spans various areas including mumbai, Navi mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi, Panvel, and Uran. The goal is to enhance surveillance in these vulnerable zones and deter illegal activities that threaten mangrove ecosystems.

The project was approved by a high-power committee, which included provisions for both the installation and maintenance of the cameras for five years. The first phase will focus on 115 highly sensitive zones, while the second phase will address the remaining 80 locations. In mumbai, 57 sites have been designated for protection, with 135 cameras planned for installation in these critical areas.

The surveillance system will utilize three types of cameras: fixed CCTV, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom), and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and allowing authorities to respond quickly to potential threats.

Mangroves are essential for protecting coastal regions like mumbai, serving as natural barriers against flooding and storm surges, stabilizing soil, and acting as valuable carbon sinks. Their protection is vital for a city increasingly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Maharashtra has approximately 32,000 hectares of mangrove cover, with 16,984 hectares designated as legal forests. Any conversion of this land for non-forestry uses requires approval under the Forest Clearance Act of 1980. Safeguarding this ecosystem is crucial for both biodiversity and the long-term resilience of the region against climate-related challenges. The state government’s commitment to prioritizing mangrove conservation through advanced surveillance technology represents a proactive step toward protecting Mumbai’s ecological future.
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Balasahana Suresh

23/09/2024 03:20 PM