File report on encroachments in Borivali National Park: HC tells CoF

Mumbai, Jul 2 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Conservator of Forests (CoF) to file, within one week, a report after personally visiting sites in the Borivali National Park as to whether enchroachments are increasing.

The counsel for Bombay Environment Action Group had alleged that number of enchroachers had gone upto 27,000 from 11,000.

Government Pleader K R Belosay informed the division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice Ranjana Desai that a sum of Rs 20,000 was deposited with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authorities and the amount had been recovered from the concerned officers of Collectorate, Police, Slum Rehabilitation Authorities, Municipal Corporation for Greater Mumbai and Conservator of Forests, persuant to earlier order of the court.

The Government Pleader also told the court that persuant to orders of the court, a meeting of the concerned officers from various department was held on June 27 and basic amenities have been provided to Appa Pada habitants. Electricity and water supply has been provided to them as well, he added.

UNI