Coastal road: Mumbai civic body pays ₹150.33 crore for marine biodiversity conservation

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is building the coastal road in south Mumbai, has deposited ₹150.33 crore funds required for the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity as per specific conditions under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is building the coastal road in south Mumbai, has deposited ₹150.33 crore funds required for the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity as per specific conditions under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.

Survey being undertaken at coral colony sites near Haji Ali, for the Coastal road project. (HT File)

BMC, however, has revised the total construction cost and reduced the applicable funds for marine biodiversity conservation by 31%.

According to CRZ clearance granted in May 2017, the civic body had to pay 2% (₹254 crore) of the total cost of the project (₹12,721 crore) to the Mangrove Foundation — an autonomous society that assists the state government in marine conservation — on or before commencement of work in December 2018.

“The total project cost computed by the mangrove cell was not correct. The actual project construction cost is ₹8,429 crore along with some additional costs taking the complete tally to around ₹8,750 crore. So, as per CRZ condition, all approvals have been received to pay 2% (₹175 crore) to the Mangrove Foundation. Of this, ₹25 crore was paid last year, and now the final fund transfer of ₹150 crore is underway,” said a senior BMC official in-charge of the project, requesting anonymity.

The 9.9-km-long road aims to connect Princess Street flyover in south Mumbai to the Worli-end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and cut short travel time between south Mumbai and western suburbs by 70%.

The submission of funds comes after a delay of two years. HT had, on November 3, reported that Tiwari had requested the environment department to ensure that conditions under CRZ clearance are complied with before considering fresh amendments proposed by BMC.