MUMBAI: Around 50 acres of mangroves were allegedly destroyed in Lokhandwala by planting "invasive species" and creating a debris path, which residents claimed was a new modus operandi to kill the green belt.

The residents were shocked to see the mangroves destroyed and charred bushes on both sides of the path on May 23. The whole belt had been declared a "forest and wetland" and its destruction or damage attracts severe punishment.