India, June 6 -- Taking serious note of allegations of illegal dumping and landfilling in protected mangrove and wetland areas in Thane, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone, Pune, has sought detailed replies from key authorities. Petitioners alleged that the landfilling activity in Saket and Rabodi obstructs natural drainage channels and could increase flooding risks in nearby residential areas during the monsoon.

The tribunal on Friday directed the Thane police commissioner, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), Thane district collector and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to submit action-taken reports on the allegations.

The petition was filed by environmentalist Rohit Joshi, NGO Vanashakti and residents...