Mumbai: Contrary to environmentalists’ fears, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has claimed that the Rs 12,000 crore Mumbai Coastal Road Project will alleviate flooding problems in the city. The civic body has told the Centre that the coastal road will act as a buffer to high tides, thus preventing them from entering the city.
The civic officials made the project presentation before the Centre’s Expert Appraisal Committee for projects related to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) on Friday. During the presentation, the civic officials contended that the coastal road, along with improving the city’s connectivity, would also help in easing the floods the city witnesses during monsoon. “We made a strong case for the coastal road project before the committee saying that it is essential for city’s development…The environmental assessment and impact and mitigation measures to be taken to prevent environmental damage were also put forth,” said an official.
“The Expert Appraisal Committee will submit its report to the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). Based on its recommendations, the Centre will take a final decision about providing environmental and CRZ clearances to the project,” said additional municipal commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee.
Environmentalists said that BMC’s claims are misleading. “If that is the case, the areas surrounding BWSL would not have faced waterlogging in monsoon. The fact is the coastal road project will be an environmental disaster for Mumbai,” said environmentalist Anand Pendharkar.
