Plan to build power lines over 60-hectare mangroves withdrawn
MUMBAI: The state’s coastal authority has delisted a proposal by Tata Power to build transmission lines over around 60 hectares (ha) of mangrove forests after the power distributor decided to withdraw it. According to the minutes of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority’s (MCZMA) last meeting, which took place on December 31, Tata Power had written to the agency informing them that “no work had started on ground” and “the project was not with them anymore”, allowing MCZMA to close the matter entirely, said officials.
“The proposal was listed to be discussed for the past four MCZMA meetings but the project proponent (Tata Power) remained absent. On December 10, 2019, Tata Power informed us they wanted to withdraw the proposal. Another power distributor may take over the project and apply for fresh proposals,” said Sanjay Sandashiv, undersecretary (environment). “As of now, the proposal has been removed from our records.”
Hindustan Times on October 27, 2019 had reported that Tata Power sought diversion of 59.75 ha of reserved mangrove forest across Diva, Chinchvali and Airoli in Thane district (6.79 ha); and Mulund, Nahur, Bhandup, Kanjur, Hariyali, and Vikhroli from Mumbai suburbs (52.95 ha) to develop a 14.2-km high voltage transmission lines passing over 47 towers by connecting Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company’s 400-kilovolt (kv) station at Airoli to a 400-kv proposed switching station at Ghatkopar and 400 kv receiving station at Vikhroli. The estimated loss of mangroves for the project is equivalent to 87 full-sized football fields (0.69 ha). The mangrove areas also account for 28% of the recently notified 225 ha reserved forest in the city.
Another senior MCZMA official said, “We have not been given the exact reason for the withdrawal of the proposal.” HT contacted a Tata Power spokesperson, who refused to comment.