MUMBAI – The situation in the nearby coastal district of Raigad is fueling the fears that the city of Mumbai will be engulfed by the sea in the future as predicted. A study by the Srishti Conservation Foundation (SCF), Pune found that 55 hectares of shoreline at Devghar in Raigad has been eroded by the sea in 30 years. The area, which includes sand dunes, mangroves and swamps, was swallowed by the sea between 1990 and 2022.
The study points out that coastal areas in many parts of Maharashtra are undergoing change and sea level rise associated with climate change will worsen the situation. Mangroves also grow on agricultural land due to salt water intrusion in many coastal areas. It causes huge landslides in some places.
The study suggests solutions such as streamlining the coastal management policy, reviewing the effectiveness of sea walls, adopting scientific methods to maintain depth in straits, and organizing projects and awareness programs with public participation to deal with climate change.
The next 30 years are crucial
Last year Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had warned that a large part of inner south Mumbai may be submerged in the sea by 2050 based on studies. It was a reminder that Secretariat, Nariman Point and Cafe Parade could be swallowed up by the sea and that 25-30 years is not far away. He also pointed out that frequent cyclones and heavy rains should be watched with caution. Each study reminds us that without specific action plans to deal with climate change, the consequences will be severe.
English Summary: 55 hectare of land in district nearby mumbai submerged in sea