Sea advance to hit housing projects in Navi Mumbai

The new coastal zone management plan (CZMP) drawn by the government might affect not only infrastructure, but also existing settlements and new housing projects coming up in Navi Mumbai. Sayli Udas Mankikar reports.

The new coastal zone management plan (CZMP) drawn by the government might affect not only infrastructure, but also existing settlements and new housing projects coming up in Navi Mumbai.

HT Image

On September 7, Hindustan Times reported on how several projects, including the international airport, JNPT's logistics park, a new truck terminal and other important projects are likely to be hit if the new high tide line (HTL) drawn in the CZMP, which has moved almost a km inwards, gets approved.

The state is planning to approach the central government to make an exception in the case of Navi Mumbai, which it will need to do before September 30 — the deadline to submit objections to the Centre. All coastal states including Maharashtra are redrafting coastal management plans following a 2011 Union government circular, by using new satellite images, which will lead to reclassification of coastal regulation zones (CRZ) and no-development areas.

"It is true that this inward movement of the sea will redefine development in the area. However, discussions are at a primary stage. But yes, several projects, including housing projects, will be affected," said Cidco chairman Sanjay Bhatia.

"The sea water has seeped in because of broken bunds and mangroves have grown in villages because of high salinity, which is a unique case," said a senior official.