**Mumbai: Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority Grants Clearance for Dahisar–Bhayandar Coastal Road Project**
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has informed the Bombay High Court that it has granted environmental clearance to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposed Dahisar–Bhayandar coastal road project. The MCZMA clarified that 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 is designed as an extension of the Mumbai Coastal Road, running from Versova to Bhayandar. It is envisioned as a critical link connecting Nariman Point to Uttan and further extending to Vasai–Virar.
The MCZMA submitted an affidavit in response to BMC’s plea seeking the High Court’s permission to cut approximately 4,450 mangroves spread over 8.24 hectares for the project.
### Court Oversight and Accountability
Last week, a bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad expressed its intention to “fix responsibility” on authorities to ensure compensatory afforestation efforts are successful and that mangrove plantations survive.
According to the MCZMA, BMC submitted its application on August 16, 2024, which was discussed at the Authority’s meeting on August 23. The MCZMA noted that the road alignment was finalised after carefully evaluating factors such as safety, mobility, environmental impact, and socio-economic development.
The project represents a balanced approach, considering technical feasibility, environmental sustainability, and community impact.
### Project Cost, Traffic Projections, and Mangrove Impact
As per BMC’s details, the Rs 18,263-crore project will not involve any land reclamation. It is expected to handle a daily traffic load of around 78,000 northbound vehicles and 62,000 southbound vehicles.
The project will cause the permanent loss of approximately 9,000 mangrove trees. The site is located about 0.9 km from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and 13 km from the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
### Mangrove Densification and Biodiversity Conservation Plan
To offset the environmental impact, the MCZMA has recommended that the BMC initiate 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 for mangrove plantation
– Allocate funds for plantation and maintenance with a clear timeline and budget
– Implement measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions
Additionally, the MCZMA ordered the preparation of a marine biodiversity conservation plan with support from expert institutions. Post-construction coastline monitoring will also be mandatory to identify any erosion or ecological damage.
### Public Benefit and Environmental Responsibility
MCZMA highlighted the public benefits of the project, noting it will reduce travel time between Versova and Bhayandar by 80 to 120 minutes and lower carbon emissions by approximately 48%.
However, the Authority emphasised that BMC must ensure strict adherence to environmental mitigation and monitoring measures throughout both the construction and operational phases of the project.
—
*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/clearance-granted-for-dahisarbhayandar-coastal-road-subject-to-strict-environmental-compliance-mangrove-restoration-mczma-to-bombay-hc
