Mumbai Infra News: BMC To Clear Over 9000 Mangrove Trees For Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Phase 2 Project; Public Input Welcomed Until April 21
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to clear around 9,000 mangrove trees and impact another 51,000 as part of the second phase of the coastal road project, which aims to connect Versova in Mumbai's western suburbs to Dahisar.
Maharashtra Coastal Zonal Management Authority (MCZMA) minutes reveal a request for 102 hectares of forest land to cut 9,000 trees for a road connecting Versova in Mumbai’s western suburbs to Dahisar. The BMC’s R/Central ward office has invited public suggestions and objections by April 21. Environmental clearance was granted last November, and officials noted that approximately 60,000 trees will be impacted by this project.
What Can Citizens Do?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is seeking citizen suggestions and objections regarding the proposed extension of the Mumbai Coastal Road to Dahisar, with a 30-day period for feedback before a public hearing is held. Citizens have been invited to submit suggestions and objections regarding this development until April 21.
BMC Plans To Compensate Mangrove Loss
To offset the loss of green habitats due to the Mumbai Coastal Road Phase 2, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will establish mangrove nurseries between Versova and Dahisar, enhancing the mangrove cover in Mumbai's western suburbs. This initiative follows concerns raised by environmentalists and locals. The BMC has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for 10-15 hectares of land for nurturing saplings until they can be planted in mangrove forests, crucial for restoration and reforestation efforts.
Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Phase 2 Project
The coastal road's second phase consists of six packages, with Package A covering 4.5 km from Versova to Goregaon and subsequent packages extending through various connections, including twin tunnels.
Estimated at Rs 20,000 crore, this ambitious 25 km corridor will incorporate underground tunnels and bridges, significantly impacting green cover due to its planned alignment through mangrove patches and forests.
Importance Of Mangroves For Mumbai
Mangrove forests are essential to Mumbai’s coastal ecosystem, serving as natural barriers against coastal erosion, flooding, and storm surges while protecting nearby communities. Unfortunately, the density of mangrove coverage has been declining in recent decades due to urban encroachment and infrastructure projects.
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