Mumbai's Coastal Road North sparks outrage as 9,000 mangroves face permanent removal

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has started cutting mangroves for the Coastal Road North project. The ambitious scheme will stretch 26.3 km and cost an estimated Rs 22,000 crore. Locals have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the work. The project is split into six packages, with 10 interchange points planned along the route. Over 45,000 mangroves across 103.65 hectares will be affected. Of these, 9,000 will be permanently removed, while the rest will be replanted or rejuvenated after four years.

Work has already progressed in Charkop Sector 8, where 60% of the marked mangroves have been cleared. The BMC’s Tree Authority has also approved the felling of around 1,900 trees for the project. To offset the environmental impact, compensatory plantations will take place in identified areas in Chandrapur and Palghar.

Residents fear the loss of mangroves could disrupt the natural flood plain. They worry this may lead to rainwater entering residential zones. The BMC maintains that the removal is only peripheral and necessary for the project’s execution. The Coastal Road North project continues despite environmental concerns. The BMC has committed to replanting and rejuvenation efforts to balance the ecological impact. The project’s scale and cost highlight its significance for Mumbai’s infrastructure development.