Barred constructions near Thane sanctuary to affect housing projects

The restrictions of construction from the boundary of the eco-sensitive Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary within a 10km buffer zone are most likely to affect real estate projects in large parts of Greater Mumbai. Recently, a circular has sent shock waves in the construction industry issued by the development plan (DP) department of the BMC. The circular said that it is now mandatory for the builders to take prior construction permission from the National Board of Wildlife within this zone. Environmentalists say the buffer zone should not be looked at as anti-development. According to the BMC circular, the projects in Mumbai in 15 wards are included within the 10km buffer zone. The suburban wards cover areas like Chembur (M East and M West), Mulund (T), Kandivli, Dahisar, Kurla (L), Bhandup (S), Ghatkopar-East (N), Borivli, Andheri-East and Bandra-East. The Island city areas include Matunga (F North), Parel (F South) and Dadar (G North). BMC’s DP department head, Vinod Chitore, told the media that the builders whose projects fall under the buffer zone would first have to get clearance from the forest department before his department approves their plans. The environmentalists and builders seem to have contrary points of view on the restrictions of construction from the boundary of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary within a 10km buffer zone. President of Credai-MCHI, Builder Deepak Goradia, told the media that according to the December 2018 Supreme Court order, the 10km buffer should apply to all forest sanctuaries where the state has not decided on eco-sensitive boundaries. He said that the states were given the freedom to conclude and revise the buffer zones. The circular of BMC, referring to a letter from the deputy forest conservator, Thane division, stated that prior permission is needed for all development or construction works falling within the 10km buffer zone. D Stalin, an Environmentalist, told the media that it only means that constructions that involve extensive destruction of nature are going to face hurdles, but even those will be cleared case to case using proper mitigation measures. He said that all the builders have a free run without any safeguards or mitigation in place and the ecological areas inside the buffer will be getting protection and that the construction is not banned but regulated. Image Source Also read: MMRDA waits to lease plots to part finance infra projects in Mumbai