India, Nov. 5 -- In a major crackdown on encroachments on Mangrove zone in Malwani, the Mumbai Suburban Collectorate carried out a large-scale demolition drive on November 3 and 4, clearing over 280 hutments built on mangrove land.

According to a press note issued by the suburban collectorate, the operation freed nearly 10,000 square metres of government-owned land near Survey Nos. 2670 and 1916, where encroachments, landfills, and tree felling activities were found close to the protected mangrove zone. Encroachments around the Ali Lake area were also removed, helping restore the natural surroundings.

However, the persistent trend of illegal occupation of government land with the expectation of free housing under the Slum Rehabilitation...