The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted Stage-1 (in-principle) approval for the diversion of mangrove forest land for the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project. This clearance marks a significant step forward for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is now preparing to approach the High Court for further approvals necessary to begin construction. The second phase of the project will span from Versova to Bhayandar.The project is expected to permanently impact approximately 8.24 hectare of mangrove forest land, with around 9,000 mangrove trees to be cut and more than 36,000 to be affected. As compensation, over 1.37 lakh mangrove trees are planned to be planted in line with Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority norms. The Mumbai Mangrove Cell (MMC) will implement a mangrove restoration initiative, including afforestation over 31 hectare in Bhayandar Gaon. Additionally, the BMC has planned a mangrove nursery and will transfer an equivalent area of non-forest land for forest development.The BMC has already obtained environmental clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both central and state authorities. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) permissions were acquired in November 2024. With Stage-1 clearance now in place, the next step is to secure permission from the High Court, after which construction can begin. Stage-2 forest clearance will follow later in the process.On June 27, the Chief Minister’s Office directed the BMC to complete land acquisition for Phase 2 within 15 days. The project involves the reclamation of 165 hectares between Versova and Bhayandar and is intended to cut travel time between the two areas from 90–120 minutes to just 20 minutes.A recent review meeting was held by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) to assess the project's progress with officials from the bridge department.Estimated at Rs 200 billion, the project has been divided into six construction packages:Package A: 4.5 km from Versova to Bangur Nagar (Goregaon)Package B: 1.66 km from Bangur Nagar to Mindspace (Malad)Packages C & D: 3.9 km of twin tunnels connecting Mindspace to Charkop (Kandivali)Package E: 3.78 km from Charkop to GoraiPackage F: 3.69 km from Gorai to DahisarFrom Dahisar, an additional 5.6 km elevated corridor will extend the coastal road to Bhayandar in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.News source: Indian Express