‘Clearance Granted For Dahisar–Bhayandar Coastal Road Subject To Strict Environmental Compliance, Mangrove Restoration’: MCZMA To Bombay HC
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has informed the Bombay High Court that it has granted clearance to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposed Dahisar–Bhayandar coastal road project. This approval comes as the project site lies outside any ecologically protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, and archaeological or heritage sites.
The clearance has been granted subject to strict environmental compliance conditions, including proactive measures to ensure mangrove restoration.
### Project Details and Environmental Safeguards
The proposed 60-metre-wide coastal road—an extension of the Mumbai Coastal Road from Versova to Bhayandar—is seen as a key link connecting Nariman Point to Uttan and further to Vasai–Virar.
MCZMA filed an affidavit in response to the BMC’s plea seeking the High Court’s permission to cut 4,450 mangroves spread over 8.24 hectares for the project.
### Court Oversight and Accountability
Last week, a bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad stated its intention to “fix responsibility” on authorities to ensure that compensatory afforestation actually survives.
According to MCZMA, the BMC submitted its application on August 16, 2024, which was taken up for consideration at its meeting on August 23. The Authority noted that the alignment was finalized after evaluating factors such as safety, mobility, environmental impact, and socio-economic development.
MCZMA described the project as representing a balance between technical feasibility, environmental sustainability, and community impact.
### Project Cost, Traffic, and Mangrove Impact
As per BMC details, the Rs 18,263-crore project will not involve land reclamation. It is expected to carry a daily traffic load of 78,000 vehicles northbound and 62,000 southbound.
The project will result in the permanent loss of approximately 9,000 mangrove trees. It is located about 0.9 km from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and 13 km from the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
### Mangrove Densification and Biodiversity Plan
To offset the mangrove loss, MCZMA has recommended that BMC begin a mangrove densification plan in collaboration with the Mangrove Cell before starting construction.
The civic body has been directed to earmark land near the project site and provide funds for plantation and maintenance, with a defined timeline and budget aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, the Authority has mandated that a marine biodiversity conservation plan be carried out with the help of expert institutions. Post-construction coastline monitoring will also be conducted to identify any erosion or ecological damage.
### Public Benefit and Environmental Responsibility
MCZMA highlighted that the project would significantly benefit the public by reducing travel time between Versova and Bhayandar by 80–120 minutes and lowering carbon emissions by 48%.
However, the Authority emphasized that the BMC would be responsible for ensuring that environmental mitigation and monitoring measures are effectively implemented during both construction and operational phases.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/clearance-granted-for-dahisarbhayandar-coastal-road-subject-to-strict-environmental-compliance-mangrove-restoration-mczma-to-bombay-hc
