MUMBAI: The fire that broke out at Wadala had spread to the nearby Sewri creek, which is on the list of 10 endangered areas for birds and biodiversity.
The fire may have caused an oil spill that could have a serious impact on the environment and needs to be studied by environment agencies, experts said.
The fire department said the fire had spread across 1.5-km of the Sewri creek affecting around 20- to 30-odd mangroves. A fire officer, on condition of anonymity, said, “Owing to the fire flashbacks, which were halfa-kilometre wide, the fire kept spreading and it was difficult to control. The fire affected the mangroves.”
The BMC has said, however, that the oil layer had completely burnt out and hence there would not be any damage to the environment. Environmentalists, however, said residue could still be present, affecting the sea. Experts were also of the view that if the oil spill has reached the mud flats then the chances of it affecting the flamingos could not be ruled out.
Rishi Agarwal, environmentalist, said, “A study needs to be carried out by an expert agency, as the fire had spread across the creek. The creek has always been under threat from developmental activities in the surrounding areas.”
Dr Asad Rehmani, director, Bombay Natural History Society, said. “If at all there was an oil spill near the mud flats, it will surely affect the flamingos.”
Debi Goenka, executive director, Conservation Action Trust, said, “A detailed report in this case will help us know the seriousness of the situation. Unfortunately, there is no NGO that carries out such a study.”
PS Rahangdale, acting chief fire officer, said, “The fire did spread 1.5 km across the Sewri creek but we do not see any environmental impact as the layer formed above the water had burnt out completely.”
Municipal chief Ajoy Mehta, said, “I have not received any report regarding the Sewri creek fire. After getting the report I will take a call on whether to have any agency check the environmental impact.”
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