Mumbai’s ambitious second phase of the coastal road project, aimed at enhancing connectivity from Versova to Bhayandar, has sparked environmental alarms.
According to official documents, the project will directly result in the cutting of approximately 9,000 mangrove trees, with an additional 51,000 trees affected due to the development. This massive tree loss raises critical questions about the city’s commitment to sustainable urban planning. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have outlined the project as a Rs 20,000 crore initiative designed to create a 25 km high-speed corridor featuring underground tunnels, cable-stayed bridges, and vehicular interchanges. Despite its infrastructural promise, the environmental cost is steep, particularly for the city’s vital mangrove ecosystems.
Mangroves play an indispensable role in coastal protection. Their dense root systems act as natural barriers against tidal flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion, safeguarding Mumbai’s vulnerable shoreline. Beyond environmental protection, they also support biodiversity, providing habitat to numerous marine and terrestrial species. The loss of these trees could have cascading effects on Mumbai’s ecological balance. Official records reveal that the coastal road’s alignment will traverse through critical mangrove patches along the city’s western coastline. The E and F packages of the project will be most affected, where dense mangrove forests are currently located. The environmental clearance, granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in November last year, acknowledges the extensive impact on the local green cover.
“While the project aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility, it comes with significant ecological costs,” an environmental expert from a leading ecological think tank commented. “The loss of 9,000 mangrove trees is not just about numbers; it’s about the loss of natural barriers that protect Mumbai from climate-related threats.” The decision to clear such a large area of mangroves has triggered public discourse. Environmental activists and local residents have expressed concerns over the long-term implications, questioning the adequacy of mitigation measures proposed by the BMC. Some argue that replanting efforts may not fully compensate for the loss, given the complexity of mangrove ecosystems and their slow growth rates.
The BMC has opened a window for public participation, inviting suggestions and objections until April 21. This move is part of the due process under the Environment Protection Act, allowing stakeholders to voice their concerns. However, critics argue that such consultations often have limited impact on the final decision-making process, especially when high-budget infrastructure projects are involved. Furthermore, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the project has been criticised for underestimating the ecological consequences. Experts suggest that the EIA should have incorporated more comprehensive studies on biodiversity loss, water quality degradation, and the potential impact on fisheries, which are integral to the livelihoods of many coastal communities.
The project’s impact on local communities is another layer of concern. Many fisherfolk and residents living near the mangrove areas rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. The destruction of mangroves could disrupt fishing patterns, reduce fish populations, and ultimately affect food security for these communities. In light of Mumbai’s growing climate vulnerabilities, such as rising sea levels and increased flooding risks, the destruction of mangroves seems counterintuitive. Urban planners and environmentalists are urging for a re-evaluation of the project’s design to incorporate eco-friendly alternatives, such as elevated roadways that minimise disruption to natural habitats.
As Mumbai continues to expand its infrastructure, balancing development with environmental conservation remains a critical challenge. The current coastal road project underscores the need for more robust environmental governance and sustainable urban planning practices that prioritise both economic growth and ecological resilience. The coming weeks will be pivotal as citizens and environmental groups prepare to submit their feedback. Whether these voices will influence the project’s trajectory remains to be seen, but the growing public awareness about the environmental costs of urban development signals a shift towards more responsible and sustainable city planning.
