Category Archives: conservation

conservation, entertainment, environment, law, urban development

Mumbai: NGT Rejects Plea Against Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat Renovation

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**NGT Dismisses Appeal Against Renovation of Shah Rukh Khan’s Bandra Residence, Mannat**

*Mumbai:* The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed an appeal challenging the renovation of actor Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic sea-facing residence, Mannat, located in Bandra.

**About the Appeal**

The appeal was filed by activist Santosh Daundkar, who alleged that the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had erred in granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the renovation on January 3. However, the tribunal rejected the plea at the admission stage, stating that the appeal had “no force.”

**Tribunal’s Observations**

The NGT bench, presided over by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, noted that the proposed construction at Mannat falls within a CRZ-II area — specifically on the landward side of the existing road and fixed structures. This classification makes the renovation permissible under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. Consequently, the clearance was issued subject to conditions specified in the order.

The tribunal further observed that Mannat, situated at CTS 859, 860, 861, and 862 of Bandra H-West ward, was an existing structure prior to the grant of CRZ permission. The proposed renovation involves only the addition of two floors — the 7th and 8th upper residential floors — comprising one duplex flat with an internal staircase above the existing 6th floor.

Post-renovation, the building will include two basement levels, a ground floor, and eight upper residential floors, reaching a total height of 37.54 metres.

**Additional Details**

As per the Development Plan (DP 2034), the plot falls within a residential zone and is not reserved for any public purpose. The project proponent (PP) had also obtained plan approval from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on November 7, 2024.

When the tribunal asked Daundkar’s counsel to specify procedural errors in the clearance process, the counsel reiterated earlier grounds without substantive evidence and failed to produce the CRZ No Objection Certificate (NOC) dated June 23, 2008. The tribunal questioned why this 2008 NOC was not challenged earlier.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/mumbai-ngt-rejects-plea-against-shah-rukh-khans-mannat-renovation

animal behaviour, conservation, endangered species, environment, marine biology

World’s smallest dolphins perform stunning dances, study reveals

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A new study by the University of Auckland has uncovered the astonishing underwater choreography of the world’s smallest marine dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin. However, these impressive behaviors may also increase their risk of becoming tangled in fishing gear.

Published in 2025 in the journal *Conservation Letters*, the study sheds light on the full range of dances these dolphins perform beneath the waves—information that was previously unknown. Researchers revealed a hidden underwater world filled with acrobatic maneuvers, deep dives, and sophisticated feeding strategies.

These stunning behaviors highlight the conservation challenges faced by these endangered dolphins, whose population currently hovers around 15,000 individuals. The study found that Hector’s dolphins regularly use areas beyond the existing protected zones, which were established based on limited or flawed data.

Importantly, Hector’s dolphins can and do dive to depths where fishing gear may be present. As a result, current protections only partially reduce the risk of bycatch, putting these dolphins in continued danger.

With this new data, scientists are better equipped to assess threats accurately and design more effective conservation strategies by understanding the dolphins’ complex underwater behaviors.

*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content without notice at their absolute discretion.*

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/world-s-smallest-dolphins-perform-stunning-dances-study-reveals-23595147

conservation, environment, fisheries, marine biology, policy

CMFRI forms panel to study shark fishing and trade amid Wildlife Act changes

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ICAR-CMFRI Forms Special Committee to Study Shark Fishing and Trade Issues in India

In a major move to address the growing concerns of the fishing community, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced the formation of a special committee to scientifically study the issues surrounding shark fishing and trade in India. These concerns have arisen following the amended provisions of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The amendment, which came into force in 2022, places numerous species of sharks and rays under various schedules of the Act, imposing strict regulations on their catch, trade, and export. This has led to widespread unease and operational difficulties for fishermen across the country’s coastline, many of whom often encounter these species as incidental bycatch.

Balancing Species Protection with Fisher Livelihoods

The newly constituted committee will undertake a comprehensive study to develop science-based solutions addressing these challenges. It will focus on the biological and ecological aspects of the protected species, as well as the socioeconomic impacts of the conservation laws on fisher livelihoods, said Grinson George, Director of CMFRI.

George spoke after inaugurating a stakeholder workshop on shark and ray conservation alongside fisher livelihood concerns. At the workshop, CMFRI proposed a balanced and pragmatic approach to implementing the Act, aiming to ensure both biodiversity conservation and livelihood security for coastal communities.

“Fishing is the lifeline of millions of coastal families. Unlike on land, bycatch in marine fisheries cannot be predicted or controlled until the net is hauled. Strict penal action for incidental catch of protected species often creates conflict, undermining both conservation intent and fisher livelihoods,” George explained.

Clarifying Rules for Schedule IV Thresher Sharks

The Institute recently intervened following an incident in Kanyakumari where the landing of thresher sharks caused confusion among fishers and enforcement officials. CMFRI clarified that thresher sharks are listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which aligns with CITES Appendix II.

Unlike species listed under Schedules I or II, Schedule IV regulates international trade but does not prohibit domestic fisheries and trade. International trade regulations are subject to the advice of the CITES Scientific Authority in the country. CMFRI has been notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change as the Scientific Authority for Schedule IV (CITES-listed) species, George added.

Proposals to Support Sustainable Trade and Conservation

To facilitate effective implementation of these regulations, CMFRI has proposed several initiatives, including:

  • Training programmes for enforcement agencies and stakeholders focused on species identification.
  • Community-based monitoring and self-regulation of landings.
  • Stakeholder-driven conservation plans.
  • Regular scientific assessments.
  • Preparation of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) to guide international trade decisions.

These measures aim to support sustainable trade while protecting vulnerable shark and ray populations, ensuring that conservation objectives harmonize with the needs of fishing communities.

Published on September 19, 2025.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/cmfri-forms-panel-to-study-shark-fishing-and-trade-amid-wildlife-act-changes/article70068492.ece