MMRDA: no compromise on Thane Coastal Road Phase 2, strict conditions to protect flamingos, mangroves

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has made it clear that there will be "no compromise" on Phase 2 of the Thane Coastal Road, being built to make travel between Thane and Mumbai easier. The authority says the project will proceed only along the fixed route, because even a slight change in the alignment would break the direct connection with Mumbai.

In view of this technical constraint, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority has sent its recommendation to the Centre with strict conditions. The project is reported to take special care of the environment and to create a quiet corridor near the flamingo sanctuary, so that the birds' natural habitat is not affected.

The proposed second phase is a 7.129-km elevated road from Balkum to Anandnagar in Mulund East. According to MMRDA, the route passes between existing buildings on one side and Thane Creek on the other, so there is no alternative that would avoid harm to mangroves and the environment. To keep damage to nature to a minimum, the entire road will be built on pillars rather than on the ground. To reduce the number of pillars, the spacing between them has been increased from 30 metres to 50 metres. About 65 per cent of the mangroves due to be affected during construction will suffer no damage.

Noise-reduction technology will be used during construction to protect the flamingos and the sanctuary. Areas where birds nest will be declared silence zones. Directions have also been given to ensure that the livelihoods of local fishermen and the movement of their boats continue without obstruction. The project requires High Court permission, a no-objection certificate from the Mangrove Cell and compensatory planting of new trees.

The Thane Municipal Corporation has also been directed to set up a separate environment monitoring cell.

Linking the first and second phases will considerably reduce pressure on Ghodbunder Road. Heavy and light vehicles heading towards Nashik and Gujarat will have a jam-free route.

Meanwhile, 40 per cent of the work on the 13.45-km first phase, from Gaimukh to the Kharegaon toll naka, has been completed. The six-lane road will draw traffic away from Ghodbunder Road and speed up vehicles heading towards Nashik, Gujarat and north India. At Gaimukh, it will connect to the proposed Fountain Hotel tunnel, giving direct and fast connectivity between Thane and Bhayandar.