The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or the BMC has announced plans to establish mangrove nurseries between Versova and Bhayandar. This is to compensate for the environmental impact of the Mumbai Coastal Road Phase 2 project. This initiative aims to densify existing mangrove coverage in Mumbai’s western suburbs following significant protests from local residents and environmental activists. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this particular initiative.
Mumbai Coastal Road Project To Be More Environmentally-Friendly
According to an article that was recently published by mid-day, the civic body has issued an Expression of Interest or EoI seeking 10-15 hectares of rental land. The land will be used to create nurseries where mangrove saplings will be cultivated until they are mature enough for transplantation to forest areas.
BMC officials emphasised that this measure is vital for mangrove restoration and reforestation efforts. According to the EoI document, the BMC received Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from India’s central government in November last year.
This approval mandates “an effective system to restore the affected environment and habitat” as part of the project requirements. The second phase of the Coastal Road Project involves constructing a high-speed corridor featuring underground tunnels, cable-stayed bridges and interchanges.
BMC To Densify Mangrove Nurseries In Versova And Bhayander
The corridor is estimated to cost ₹20,000 crore and will stretch across 25 kilometres. As the planned route traverses through mangrove areas, creeks and forest zones, substantial green cover will be affected.
To mitigate this environmental impact, the BMC, in collaboration with the forest department and state mangrove cell, must establish nurseries for various native mangrove species and habitat restoration centres along Mumbai’s coastline.
These efforts will focus on both densifying existing mangrove areas and creating new patches of degraded land. Mangrove ecosystems play a critical role in Mumbai’s environmental resilience. They serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion, tidal flooding and storm surges, protecting both shorelines and communities. Their intricate root systems stabilise sediments and reduce wave impact.
While Mumbai’s eastern and western shorelines contain significant protected mangrove zones, their density has diminished over recent decades due to encroachment and infrastructure development. The BMC plans to acquire approximately 15 hectares of interconnected land with tidal water access along the western shoreline for this restoration initiative.
Do you think this move will be sufficient to offset the damage by the road?
Cover Image Credits: Canva Pro Images and Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: March 17, 2025 3:19 PM