Mangroves under Mahe bypass bridge destroyed

Activists allege attempt to convert protected area into commercial plots

Large tracts of mangrove forest have been found destroyed under the Mahe bypass bridge at Chokli Pathikal area, which is between the New Mahe and Chokli panchayat in Kannur district.

The area covered by the mangroves is primarily owned by individuals. However, in the garb of construction of the bypass bridge, the mangroves were destroyed by piling it with soil, said Shaukat Ali Eroth, working chairman of the Mahe River Conservation Committee.

Except for the construction of pillars for the bridge and a 3.5-metre area for the service road, the land cannot be used for other purposes under the law.