Why was a legal notice served to BMC regarding the coastal road project?

A legal notice was served due to alleged cutting of mangroves for the Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road project without statutory approvals and in violation of a Bombay High Court order.

What specific court order is cited in the notice about mangrove destruction?

The notice cites a Bombay High Court order from December 12, 2025, which declared any activity involving mangrove destruction prior to Stage-II clearance as illegal.

How has the BMC responded to the allegations of illegal mangrove cutting?

BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani dismissed the allegations, stating that all necessary sanctions and permissions have been obtained and that the BMC will present its records to the court if needed.

Home / Environment / Mangrove Destruction Sparks Legal Storm for Coastal Road

Mangrove Destruction Sparks Legal Storm for Coastal Road

5 Feb

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Summary

Authorities served notice for alleged mangrove cutting without approvals.
Project faces scrutiny for violating Bombay High Court mangrove protection orders.
Work allegedly began despite lack of final forest clearance from Union ministry.

Mangrove Destruction Sparks Legal Storm for Coastal Road

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Mangrove Cell, and the chief conservator of forests have received a legal notice for allegedly cutting mangroves for the Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road project. This action is reportedly proceeding without the required statutory approvals and in contravention of a Bombay High Court order on mangrove protection.

Non-profit Vanashakti claims that the coastal highway's arm, intended to improve connectivity, requires clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and approvals from the Union environment ministry. The notice specifically cites a December 12, 2025, high court order stating that mangrove destruction prior to Stage-II clearance is illegal.

Vanashakti alleges that work has been underway in mangrove areas in Malwani for several months, prior to the High Court granting permission. They also point out that required annual interim applications and compliance affidavits were not filed in January of this year, as mandated by the court.