MCZMA asks MMRDA to revisit Thane coastal road route near flamingo habitat

The proposed Balkum-to-Anandnagar coastal road would pass near Thane Creek’s flamingo habitat and affect an estimated 3,754 mangroves across 2.72 hectares of forest land, prompting the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority to ask MMRDA to explore a different route.

The elevated road is planned as Phase II of the Thane Coastal Road and is intended to connect with the proposed Eastern Freeway extension at Anand Nagar. MMRDA expects the wider network to help traffic heading towards Kalyan, Nashik and other northern parts of MMR bypass Thane city.

Before granting clearance, MCZMA has asked for the state forest department mangrove protection cell’s report, a detailed assessment of effects on creek ecology and flamingos, and mitigation measures. It has also sought a compensatory mangrove plantation plan for possible alignments and a report on complaints received about the project.

An MMRDA official said the proposal has been deferred rather than rejected. The agency maintains that the elevated design, with spans widened from 30 metres to 45-50 metres, would reduce the number of pier foundations within mangrove areas. It plans to submit the requested information to MCZMA.