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CIDCO Set to Revamp Nhava Island into World Class Tourism Hub with Infrastructure Boost

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has revived its ambitious plan to develop Nhava Island into a full-fledged tourism hub. The move comes as part of a larger strategy to decongest Mumbai’s conventional tourist attractions and introduce new recreational zones closer to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Situated roughly 1.5 kilometers from Elephanta Island and accessible by both road via the operational Atal Setu and ferry from South Mumbai, Nhava Island stands poised to become a pivotal node in Mumbai’s tourism infrastructure network.

Spanning over 60.8 hectares, the island is topographically unique, with two prominent hills rising nearly 150 meters. However, a significant portion of the island falls under various Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZs) as per the Coastal Zone Management Plan of 2019. Specifically, 19.77 hectares of the island is marked within a 50-meter buffer zone of mangroves. An additional 10.17 hectares falls under CRZ-IA, a classification reserved for ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves and mudflats. CRZ-II applies to 12.87 hectares, which allows some regulated development along existing urban coastlines, while 4.17 hectares fall under CRZ-IB. Only 13.85 hectares of the island lie completely outside CRZ limitations, making them eligible for unrestricted tourism and recreational development.

CIDCO’s plan includes developing hotels, eco-resorts, convention centers, curated parks, restaurants, residential real estate projects, and water-based amusement facilities. The agency plans to appoint a consultant to formulate a master plan and financial model that balances profitability, tourism potential, and infrastructure compatibility with existing regional plans. The revival is being carefully aligned with the larger infrastructural ecosystem being developed in Navi Mumbai, including NMIA and other large-scale commercial and transportation hubs. According to officials, the Nhava Island project represents a new epicenter of investment and development that can create long-term economic and employment opportunities.

Despite its potential, the plan has triggered familiar environmental concerns. Several Navi Mumbai-based environmentalists have opposed previous attempts to develop the island, warning that unchecked construction could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The mangrove belts around Nhava serve as vital ecological buffers that protect against flooding, promote biodiversity, and provide natural carbon sinks. Environmentalists argue that even so-called eco-tourism initiatives tend to exploit natural habitats under the guise of sustainability, and they fear that this project could follow a similar trajectory unless strict regulatory oversight is maintained. Critics also question whether CIDCO’s promises to adhere to CRZ norms and sustainable development practices will hold once the commercial push begins in earnest.

This is not CIDCO’s first attempt to commercialize Nhava. In June 2021, the agency issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for tourism development on the island, but the project failed to proceed. A primary reason was that the island falls under the funnel zone of NMIA, which places restrictions on the height of constructions due to air traffic and aviation safety requirements. CIDCO officials claim that newer plans have factored in those restrictions and will seek to optimize horizontal land use rather than vertical expansion.

The timing of this revival is strategically significant. In tandem with CIDCO’s plans, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has received approvals to develop an amusement-cum-water park in Gorai, another coastal region within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This broader push to revitalize Mumbai’s western coastal belt signals a coordinated effort by regional planning bodies to reimagine the city’s tourism economy. Connectivity is no longer a limitation; the Atal Setu has significantly reduced the travel time between South Mumbai and Nhava, making it feasible for tourists to access the island in under an hour either by road or sea. The strategic location could also support transit-oriented development models, further enhancing the island’s economic viability.

While CIDCO insists that the island’s development will follow global best practices in environmental management, including integrated waste disposal, restricted access zones, and green construction materials, these assurances have yet to convince skeptics. Activists are calling for transparent public consultations, rigorous environmental impact assessments, and third-party audits to ensure compliance with sustainability goals. Moreover, there is a growing demand to include local communities and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that development benefits are equitably distributed.

Ultimately, the revival of the Nhava Island tourism project embodies the broader tension between urban expansion and environmental preservation. Mumbai is at a crossroads where infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic growth must be balanced with ecological responsibility. The success of this venture will depend not only on CIDCO’s ability to execute a commercially viable tourism model but also on its willingness to accommodate ecological safeguards, public sentiment, and transparent governance mechanisms. If successful, the Nhava Island project could redefine urban coastal tourism in India. If mishandled, it risks becoming another cautionary tale of short-sighted development in the face of mounting environmental challenges.

Also Read: Mumbai Railway Officials Ordered to Track 10 Critical Station Cleaning Spots
CIDCO Set to Revamp Nhava Island into World Class Tourism Hub with Infrastructure Boost

 

 

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