Mangrove Restoration Proposal for Mumbai Coastal Road
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a proposal to set up mangrove nurseries along the western suburbs, specifically between Versova and Bhayander. The proposal is part of the BMC’s broader effort to densify the existing mangrove cover and compensate for the loss of vital habitats impacted by the road’s construction.
The second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, pegged at Rs 20,000 crore, will span a 25-kilometre stretch, connecting Versova with Bhayander. This high-speed corridor will feature a blend of underground tunnels, cable-stayed bridges, and interchanges, passing through sensitive ecological zones, including mangrove patches, creeks, and forest areas. While the project aims to ease Mumbai’s traffic woes, it also poses a threat to some of the city’s critical green spaces, notably the mangrove forests, which are crucial for the coastal ecosystem. To mitigate the impact, the BMC has launched an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking to lease 10-15 hectares of land along the western coastline for the establishment of mangrove nurseries. These nurseries will focus on nurturing mangrove saplings until they are ready to be planted in areas that are either newly restored or have lost their natural green cover due to urban development. The proposal, part of a larger environmental restoration plan, aims to ensure that the lost mangrove habitat is replenished through proactive measures.
The BMC received clearance from the Union Ministry for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) in November of the previous year, a significant step for the project. As part of the clearance conditions, the civic body is tasked with ensuring effective habitat restoration and reforestation efforts. The nurseries will play a crucial role in meeting these obligations by fostering mangrove species, some of which are native to the region, while also contributing to the densification of existing mangrove stretches.
Mangroves are vital to Mumbai’s ecosystem as they protect coastal areas from erosion, tidal flooding, and storm surges. Their dense root systems trap sediments, stabilising shorelines and reducing the impact of waves. Over the past few decades, however, the mangrove cover along Mumbai’s coastline has diminished due to urban expansion, encroachment, and infrastructure development. The BMC’s plan to establish mangrove nurseries and restoration centres is a timely intervention to combat these challenges, especially as the city’s coastline continues to face developmental pressures. The EoI document outlines that the proposed nurseries will cover a total area of 15 hectares (37 acres), located along the western shoreline near the Coastal Road alignment. These plots of land must be contiguous and should have direct access to tidal waters, ensuring the saplings can thrive in their natural environment. The BMC plans to lease the land for a minimum of five to ten years, after which the fully grown mangroves can either be transplanted into impacted areas or remain in the nurseries to continue developing.
A key aspect of the proposal is that the BMC intends to densify existing mangrove patches, reinforcing their role as a natural buffer zone. This initiative is also seen as a measure to prevent further degradation of mangrove forests and promote the expansion of the city’s green cover. According to civic officials, even if no private entities respond to the current proposal, the BMC will approach the state’s forest department to secure the necessary land for the nurseries. The idea is to ensure that the loss of green cover is addressed ahead of time, safeguarding Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystem. With mangrove ecosystems increasingly recognised for their importance in combating climate change, the BMC’s proposal stands as a crucial step in the city’s environmental planning. The nurseries will not only serve to restore mangrove habitats but will also contribute to Mumbai’s broader goals of sustainable urban development. In a city grappling with both rapid infrastructure growth and environmental preservation, such measures will be vital in maintaining the delicate balance between progress and conservation.
