680 Mangroves to Be Permanently Lost as Thane Coastal Road-2 Gets MCZMA Nod

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended approval for the 7.12-km Thane Coastal Road-2 project along its original alignment through the eco-sensitive zone of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, with 680 mangroves set to be permanently lost.

According to the minutes of the authority’s 202nd meeting held on September 24, the MCZMA accepted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) contention that no alternative alignment could substantially reduce damage to mangroves while bypassing the internationally recognised Ramsar site.

Of the 3,754 mangroves spread across the project area, 680, covering approximately 1.7 hectares, will be permanently lost as they fall within locations proposed for piers supporting the elevated road. Another 1,053 mangroves are expected to be damaged during construction and restored subsequently, while the remaining 2,021 will largely remain untouched, the minutes stated.

The MCZMA had deferred its decision in August, asking the MMRDA to explore alternative routes to minimise environmental damage. However, the development authority maintained that the proposed alignment, located between existing developments to the west and Thane Creek to the east, offered no feasible alternative.

To limit the impact, the MMRDA has proposed constructing the road as an elevated viaduct and increasing the distance between supporting piers from 30 metres to 50 metres, reducing the number of foundations required.

The MCZMA’s recommendation includes environmental safeguards such as compensatory mangrove plantation in consultation with the Mangrove Cell, implementation of an Environmental Management Plan and monitoring of ecological impacts.

The greenfield road will connect Anand Nagar in Mulund East with Balkum in Thane, extending the existing Thane Coastal Road-1 and linking with the proposed Kopri-Patni bridge and the Eastern Express Highway extension. The MMRDA expects the project to divert regional traffic away from Thane city, improve connectivity and reduce congestion, accidents, pollution and travel delays. The project will require final clearance from the Union Environment Ministry and other concerned authorities before it can proceed.