HC directs probe on mangroves destruction by Adani Group Cos

The Gujarat High Court has directed an enquiry into the alleged destruction of mangroves by the Adani Group companies in Mundra.

The HC has also ordered a constitution of a special team, which will visit the coastal areas near Mundra in Kutch district to find out weather Adani Group was involved in the destruction of mangroves trees in violation of the directions by the court.

While hearing a petition moved by Kheti Vikag Seva Trust of Mundra seeking contempt of court proceeding against Adani Group companies-Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd (MPSEZL) as well as Adani Power Limited (APL)-a division bench comprising of Justice Jayant Patel and Justic RM Chaya on Monday directed the enquiry and formation of a special team, which will be consisted of district collector, DSP and Coastal Regulation Zone Authority nominee.

Scheduling the next hearing on September 29, the High Court has asked the special team to submit its report by September 28.Earlier, in a public interest litigation (PIL), Zarpara villagers had accused the company of violating environment norms and causing damage to environment. Zarpara village is located near Adani port in Mundra.The villagers had specifically stated that the illegal cutting of mangrove trees and subsequent aggravation of salinity ingress problems.

On July 12, while hearing the PIL, the court had asked no developer or company would disturb the mangrove cover without the prior permission from the forest and environment department of the state.

However, the petitioner trust, in its contempt petition, has alleged that the companies continued to cut thick cover of mangrove forest at Mundra despite the court order.Apart from pleading for a punitive action against these companies belonging to Ahmedabad-based Adani Group promoted by billionaire Gautam Adani, the contempt petition also claimed that the companies had started adopting different methods to remove the thick cover of mangrove forest.