1,244 Trees May Be Impacted in Coastal Road Phase 2 — BMC to Seek High Court Nod for Clearance

What’s Happening

For the second phase of Mumbai’s coastal road project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) estimates that 1,244 trees will be affected along the Goregaon–Malad stretch, with some to be cut and others transplanted. Before proceeding, the BMC plans to approach the Bombay High Court to secure legal permission for tree felling and related clearances.

Breakdown of Tree Impact

• Tunnel alignment (Packages C & D):
  Around 118 trees are proposed to be cut and about 697 to be transplanted.
• Elevated connector / interchange (Package B):
  Around 136 trees may be cut and nearly 293 transplanted.
• In total, of the 1,612 trees located across the two sites, 1,244 will be directly affected.
• These areas lie between Goregaon and Malad and include critical components like tunnels, flyovers, and vehicular interchanges.

The Project & Its Environmental Approvals

The coastal road project is divided into six packages — A, B, C, D, E, and F. The affected stretches fall under packages B, C, and D. Earlier, the Union Environment Ministry granted Stage-1 in-principle clearance for mangrove diversion, a key approval for moving ahead. The BMC has also received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and other environmental permissions. However, High Court approval and working clearances remain necessary before construction and tree removal can commence.

Concerns, Mitigation & Citizen Voices

In earlier phases, around 9,000 mangrove trees were identified for cutting, and up to 60,000 mangrove trees could be affected by the entire Phase 2. To compensate, the BMC has proposed planting three times the number of mangrove trees being cut, along with developing mangrove nurseries in Bhayandar and other forest areas in Maharashtra.

Citizens have urged the authorities to preserve the green cover and have suggested creating an “urban coastal forest” within the 70-hectare reclaimed land, emphasizing native species, ecological zoning, and public participation.

What Comes Next

1. High Court’s decision – If approved, tree felling and transplanting may begin.
2. Stage-2 forest clearances – To be secured post-court approval before large-scale work starts.
3. Compensatory planting – Implementation of replantation and restoration plans.
4. Public monitoring – Oversight by citizens and environmental groups to ensure compliance with commitments.