BMC splits coastal road project into two

In a bid to expedite its ambitious coastal road project, BMC has decided to divide the project into two parts i.e. north-bound and south-bound so that permissions can be given separately and quickly. Accordingly, the civic body has submitted its revised plan to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).

BMC officials said that while the civic body had earlier sought permission from MCZMA for the entire project, the possibility of delay due to presence of mangroves in the suburbs prompted BMC’s decision to implement the project in two parts. The south part will include the stretch from Marine Drive to Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) while the north part will include the stretch from BWSL to Kandivali. This way, it will be easier to get permission from MCZMA and speed up the project; officials said.

The revised plan of dividing the project into two parts was sent to MCZMA on October 17 while civic chief Ajoy Mehta on Wednesday made a presentation before MCZMA officials about it.

“As both parts can be implemented independently, we feel it is easier to get permissions for them. We have sought separate no-objection certificates for both the parts from MCZMA. The south-bound part can be easily done and hence, we are hopeful of getting the green signal for it first,” said Mohan Machiwal, chief engineer, coastal road project. He added that the south-bound part had no hassles like mangroves as it passed entirely through the sea and they had also got permission for reclamation. However on the north, BMC will have to rehabilitate 25.2 hectares of mangroves land.

“MCZMA has sought more time for detailed study of our north-bound project. So it will take more time to get their approval. However, we have done compliance of all rules and regulations of the forest department and are hopeful of getting their nod,” said Mr Machiwal.