Coastal Road: State gets 21 NOCs, but no green nod yet

MUMBAI: The ambitious coastal road project has received 17 no objection certificates (NOCs) from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Coastguard, Indian

MUMBAI: The ambitious coastal road project has received 17 no objection certificates (NOCs) from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Coastguard, Indian Navy, Pubblic Works Department and Maharashtra Maritime Board too have handed over their consent for the project. But, the main clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) is still awaited.

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Even though these permissions were taken in advance to avoid any delay in the project, the MoEF finding basic flaws in the project report is likely to act as a roadblock in timely execution. The ministry in July had pointed out several discrepancies in the BMC’s plan , including lack of a disaster study and approvals from state pollution control board and the Centre.

However, civic officials said a meeting of government authorities took place in Delhi last week with the union environment minister Anil Dave, where chief minister Devendra Fadnavis pushed for approval of coastal road and Malad sewage treatment plant. A senior civic official said, “We have received almost all the NOCs but the important green approval is pending. We are hoping for a positive response after the meeting.”

The civic body, earlier this week, also gave a detailed presentation to the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee, seeking their approval for the project. Sources revealed that even if the panel gives negative remarks, the civic chief Ajoy Mehta, being the chairman of the Tree Authority committee, can give approval for the project.

The Mumbai Traffic department also has been informed about the changes to the alignment of the coastal road. However, the permissions will be taken in phases immediately after the tenders are awarded.