The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the Thane Coastal Road-2 project, which spans 7.12 kilometres through the environmentally sensitive area of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. This decision will lead to the permanent loss of 680 mangroves, as indicated in the minutes from the MCZMA’s 202nd meeting held on September 24. The authority has recommended the proposal to the Union Environment Ministry, following the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) assertion that no alternative route exists to avoid the internationally recognised Ramsar site.

Impact on Mangrove Ecosystem

The Thane Coastal Road-2 project, managed by the MMRDA, will affect a total of 3,754 mangroves within the project area. According to the MCZMA meeting minutes, the loss of 680 mangroves will occur over approximately 1.7 hectares, where piers for the elevated road are planned. Additionally, it is anticipated that 1,053 mangroves will sustain damage during the construction phase but will be restored afterwards. The remaining 2,021 mangroves are expected to remain largely untouched throughout the project.

In August, the MCZMA had postponed its decision, urging the MMRDA to consider alternative alignments to mitigate the impact on the mangroves and the eco-sensitive zone. However, the MMRDA informed the authority that “there is no alternative alignment which can substantially save the mangroves,” as the proposed route is constrained by existing developments on the western side and Thane Creek on the eastern side.

To address concerns regarding mangrove loss, the MMRDA has proposed constructing the road as an elevated viaduct. This design includes increasing the distance between piers from 30 metres to 50 metres to decrease the number of foundations required, thereby minimising damage to the mangrove ecosystem.

Environmental Safeguards and Future Plans

The MCZMA’s recommendation for the Thane Coastal Road-2 project is contingent upon the implementation of several environmental safeguards. These include compensatory mangrove plantation efforts in consultation with the Mangrove Cell, the execution of an Environmental Management Plan, and ongoing monitoring of the project’s environmental impact. Such measures aim to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained as much as possible despite the construction activities.

The proposed 7.129-kilometre greenfield road will connect Anand Nagar in Mulund East to Balkum in Thane, extending the existing Thane Coastal Road-1. It is also designed to link with the forthcoming Kopri-Patni bridge and the Eastern Express Highway extension. The MMRDA has asserted that this road will facilitate the diversion of regional and external traffic away from Thane city, thereby improving connectivity with Mumbai and other areas within the metropolitan region.

Furthermore, the project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and lower air and noise pollution levels. It aims to enhance travel efficiency for both passengers and freight. However, the project must still secure the necessary statutory clearances, including approval from the Union Environment Ministry and other relevant authorities, before construction can commence.

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