Home / Environment / Mangrove Destruction Sparks Legal Storm for Coastal Road
Mangrove Destruction Sparks Legal Storm for Coastal Road
5 Feb
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.
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.
BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani dismissed the allegations, stating that all necessary sanctions have been obtained and that such notices are routine. He indicated that the BMC would present its records if the matter proceeds to court.
