The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended the proposed Thane Coastal Road 2 project for consideration by the Union Environment Ministry, retaining its existing route despite the permanent loss of 680 mangroves.
The 7.129-km greenfield corridor, being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), will connect Anand Nagar in Mulund East with Balkum in Thane, running alongside Thane Creek. The route passes through the eco-sensitive zone of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, part of a Ramsar site recognised for its international wetland importance.
The recommendation was recorded during MCZMA’s 202nd meeting on September 24, 2026, with details reported on October 23.
The project is expected to affect 3,754 mangroves. Of these, 680 spread across approximately 1.7 hectares are likely to be permanently lost because they fall within the proposed foundations and piers of the elevated road. Another 1,053 trees could sustain temporary damage during construction, with restoration planned afterwards. The remaining 2,021 mangroves are expected to remain largely unaffected.
In August, the authority had postponed its decision and asked the MMRDA to explore alternative routes and provide additional details about the environmental impact. The development agency subsequently maintained that avoiding substantial mangrove loss was difficult because the corridor is constrained by existing development on one side and the creek on the other.
To limit the damage, the MMRDA has proposed an elevated viaduct and increased the distance between supporting piers from 30 metres to 50 metres, reducing the number of foundations required.
The recommendation includes safeguards such as compensatory mangrove plantation in consultation with the Mangrove Cell, an Environmental Management Plan and environmental monitoring. Final approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other relevant authorities remains necessary.
The road is intended to extend Thane Coastal Road 1, connecting Gaimukh to Kasheli Bridge, and link with the proposed Kopri-Patni bridge and Eastern Express Highway extension. It aims to divert through-traffic away from central Thane and improve regional connectivity.
The project’s progress will depend on securing the remaining clearances and meeting the prescribed environmental conditions.
Source: Prop News Time
