Mumbai’s coastal ecosystems are undergoing significant ecological changes due to rapid urban development, raising concerns about the impact on marine biodiversity.
Recent surveys conducted near the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial site have revealed alarming declines in key marine species, particularly gorgonian corals, which are vital to the city’s underwater heritage. The area under scrutiny, located approximately 2.7 km off Chowpatty, was once a thriving marine habitat teeming with corals, gorgonians, nudibranchs, and reef fishes. However, a recent survey led by marine biologist Dr. Ramvilas Ghosh and Pradip Patade, co-founder of Marine Life of Mumbai, indicates a concerning absence of gorgonian species such as Menella indica and Echinogorgia sp. These species were previously abundant in specific microhabitats, with Menella indica holding historical significance as it was first described from Back Bay in 1870. The disappearance of these species suggests a collapse in the ecological balance of the area.
The researchers attribute this decline to a combination of human-driven and natural factors, including coastal development, ongoing reclamation projects, sedimentation, and climate change. The proximity of the proposed Shivaji Memorial site to these sensitive marine zones raises concerns about the potential ecological impact of large-scale infrastructure development. Environmental experts have warned that such projects could lead to irreparable damage to coral reefs and marine biodiversity, violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, 2011, which protects marine ecosystems.
Moreover, the construction activities associated with these projects can accelerate sand mining, quarrying, and laterite mining, further threatening marine life. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports prepared by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and National Institute of Oceanography have highlighted the abundance of corals in the proposed location, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental safeguards.
In addition to the ecological concerns, the livelihoods of local fishing communities are at risk. Fishermen from areas such as Worli Koliwada have expressed opposition to the proposed memorial, citing potential disruptions to fishing routes and marine habitats. They advocate for relocating the memorial to a site that would not harm the marine environment or their livelihoods.
As Mumbai continues to expand, it is imperative to balance development with environmental conservation. Experts call for comprehensive marine biodiversity assessments, protective policy frameworks, and public engagement to safeguard the city’s underwater heritage. Without such measures, the rich marine life that characterizes Mumbai’s coastline may be lost forever.
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