Mumbai Coastal Road Project Challenged for EIA Violations: High Court Hears Claims of Environmental Irregularities
- ByAdmin --
- 16 Apr 2025 --
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The ambitious Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), a massive infrastructure endeavor aimed at decongesting the city’s traffic and improving its coastal connectivity, is facing serious legal scrutiny. A petition filed before the Bombay High Court has alleged that the project violates Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms, particularly in relation to coastal ecology, mangrove destruction, and public consultation deficiencies.
The Court, while refusing an immediate stay, has agreed to hear the matter in detail, signaling that urban development must be legally and environmentally compliant, regardless of its scale.
About the Project
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project spans approximately 29.2 kilometers, connecting Marine Drive to Kandivali. With an estimated cost of ₹12,700 crore, it involves:
- Reclamation of over 90 hectares of land from the sea
- Construction of roads, tunnels, and interchanges
- Seawalls, promenades, and green spaces
- Dedicated lanes for buses and cyclists
The project is led by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and is touted as a transformative solution to Mumbai’s traffic and urban planning challenges.
The Legal Challenge: What the Petition Alleges
Filed by a consortium of environmental activists, marine biologists, and civil society organizations, the petition alleges the following violations:
1. Improper Environmental Clearance
- The Environmental Clearance (EC) granted in 2017 was based on incomplete or outdated data.
- The EIA report did not fully assess marine biodiversity, especially the impact on intertidal zones, corals, and fishing livelihoods.
2. Violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Norms
- The project allegedly violates CRZ Notification, 2011 and subsequent CRZ 2019 rules, which restrict land reclamation and construction near sensitive coastal zones.
- Several portions of the project fall within CRZ-I and CRZ-II, where developmental activities are tightly regulated.
3. Public Hearing Irregularities
- Petitioners argue that the public consultation process was inadequate and rushed, failing to meaningfully include coastal communities and independent marine experts.
- They point out limited access to EIA documents, especially for fishing villages and non-English speaking communities.
Bombay High Court’s Response So Far
The High Court bench, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, has issued notice to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC), the BMC, and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The Court observed that:
- The project, while important, cannot ignore due environmental process
- It must examine whether ecological safeguards were bypassed in the name of speed
- A development model that destroys critical habitats could have long-term consequences that outweigh its traffic benefits
The matter has been posted for a final hearing in July 2025, with the Court reserving the right to order an independent review of the EIA.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Marine scientists and ecologists have raised alarms that the project could:
- Permanently damage the intertidal ecosystem, affecting migratory birds and marine species like mollusks and crabs
- Lead to coastal erosion and increased vulnerability to climate-induced flooding
- Displace traditional fisherfolk, especially Koli communities, due to restricted access to their landing points and livelihood zones
Environmentalists argue that land reclamation is not a sustainable long-term solution, particularly in a city already facing sea-level rise and monsoon flooding.
BMC’s Defense and Government Response
The BMC has defended the project by stating:
- All required environmental and coastal permissions were obtained, including CRZ clearance and EIA approval
- The project is eco-sensitive in design, with provisions for mangrove replantation, marine habitat restoration, and green public spaces
- The reclamation is being carried out with technical precision to minimize ecological disruption
The BMC has also submitted affidavits citing mitigation measures, including:
- Use of silt curtains to prevent marine sediment spread
- Creation of artificial reefs
- Relocation of impacted marine flora, if required
What the Law Says: EIA and CRZ Rules
Under Indian law:
- Any major infrastructure project on the coast requires a comprehensive EIA under the EIA Notification, 2006
- It must adhere to CRZ rules, which restrict construction near ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, tidal wetlands, and estuaries
- Public hearings must be broad-based, accessible, and well-publicized
If found in violation, the Court could recommend revocation of the EC or modification of the project route/design.
Public and Expert Opinion
While many urban planners support the project for its potential to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicular emissions, others warn of short-term urban gains traded for long-term environmental damage.
Local fishermen have demanded compensation, access guarantees, and legal recognition of their fishing rights.
Urban citizens have also demanded that climate resilience be prioritized over speed and optics in public infrastructure.
Development Must Pass the Ecological Test
The legal challenge to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project reminds us that scale cannot excuse oversight. In an era of rising sea levels, fragile coastlines, and stressed ecosystems, every project must clear not just environmental paperwork but ethical scrutiny.
As the Court now weighs the merits of both progress and protection, the final judgment may shape how Indian cities build with nature—not against it.
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