“Apart from hutments, there were some illegal commercial establishments too. This is a no development land and also a protected mangrove belt. Mangroves earlier in this belt were destroyed to be used as landfill,” said Suhas Karwande, deputy municipal commissioner, (encroachments).

The civic body had carried a similar drive in this area in 2000. “As it is a no development land and comes under the CRZ rule, any kind of commercial activity should not be carried out here. But after 2000, new godowns started mushrooming at this place. In fact, this is an area where commercial establishments are more than hutments,” said Karwande. In October 2005, the Bombay High Court had ordered a complete freeze on destruction of mangroves and their fragile ecosystems around Mumbai. The order had said that no construction should b carried out within a radius of 50 metres of the mangroves.

As many as 150 policemen and 60 BMC officials participated in the demolition drive. Three JCBs, three dumpers and four ambulances were brought to carry out the drive. Fire Brigade personnel were also present.