Mumbai Coastal Road Phase 2: BMC Plan To Use 104 Hectares For Versova-Dahisar Link Road Triggers Outrage Over 60,000 Mangrove Trees At Risk
Mumbai: The second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, the Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR), has become controversial after the BMC released a public notice stating that 104 hectares of land will be used for the project.
This will affect thousands of mangrove trees, sparking outrage among environmental activists who warn of potential ecological devastation, emphasizing the crucial role mangroves play in protecting the coastline and preventing erosion.
The 20 km road will connect Versova to Dahisar at an estimated cost of Rs 16,621 crore. A 5.6 km long and 45 meters wide elevated road will also be constructed to connect Dahisar and Bhayandar.
This road is expected to decongest the Dahisar check naka by reducing 30-35% of its traffic load and will also provide another route to Mira-Bhayandar. The estimated cost of this part of the project is around Rs. 3,304 crore.
The road alignment has been planned to pass through mangrove patches, creeks, and forest, resulting in loss of green cover. Under the proposed second phase of the coastal road, Package E, which includes 3.78 km of mangroves connecting Charkop with Gorai, will be affected.
The BMC has invited suggestions and objections by April 21 regarding the diversion of 102 hectares of forest land for the project, which will impact 60,000 mangrove trees, with 9,000 slated for removal, according to civic sources.
Mili Shetty, an environmentalist from Charkop Sector 8, wrote to the Assistant Municipal Commissioner, highlighting that the 136 hectares of mangroves surrounding the area protect it from hazards.
"During the 2005 Mumbai floods, Charkop remained safe while the rest of the city flooded, and local residents have diligently protected the mangroves. Additionally, various bird species, like the Siberian Painted Storks, have been increasing in number, with many observed annually at Charkop. Destruction of these mangroves will endanger the environment and will cause irreversible harm to the area," said Shetty.
Stalin D., an environmental activist, said, "We should find a way to build roads over forests, not through them in the name of infrastructure. Did BMC realise overnight how many trees would be cut. They want to turn Mumbai into a desert. They should have created a new forest before disturbing any existing ones. There is no land left for planting mangroves. The Mangrove Cell is happily giving away mangroves. Development should be achieved without harming trees."
Meanwhile, local MLA Sanjay Upadhyay has called for a meeting on Thursday with BMC officials to explore alternative plans that would allow the project to proceed without sacrificing valuable green cover.
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