MCZMA nod to infra projects in Dronagiri

MUMBAI: In a push to the infrastructure projects proposed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in Dronagiri node, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended, subject to conditions, 23 works such as roads, sewage treatment plants, desilting etc., to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC).

The issue had been pending since last year as the works are located in CRZ1 area. The permission is a huge relief for CIDCO and will enable the development work in new node that is coming up at the Nhava Shevaend of the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which will connect the region to Mumbai.

The projects include construction of different types of infrastructure such as a sewage treatment plant, sewage pump house, bridge across holding pond, channel, road and service and desilting of channels. The projects fall under CRZ IA (50 m buffer zone) and hence, needed MCZMA clearance. Around 1.75 lakh sqm of CRZ area is covered under the projects.

CIDCO had submitted the environment impact assessment report prepared by MOEF&CC accredited consultancy Manu Shrushti. Since Navi Mumbai is surrounded by Thane creek, all development work here, whether by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Panvel Municipal Corporation, CIDCO or MMRDA, needs the go ahead from MCZMA. The proposals were first discussed at MCZMA meeting held on August 24, 2022. MCZMA had then decided to verify if CIDCO was seeking fresh CRZ approval for infrastructure activities at Dronagiri or if it was a post facto approval that it was seeking. On December 6, 2022, CIDCO submitted that it is seeking fresh approval for infrastructure activities at Dronagiri and no onsite activities have been initiated till date for the proposed projects.

The authority accepted that the composite proposal submitted by CIDCO involving construction of public infrastructure facilities at Dronagri node was in public interest. The authority noted that the sites are situated in mangroves and 50m mangrove buffer zone area (CRZ IA). Its experts opined that matter could be recommended to MOEF&CC, New Delhi.

Following discussions, MCZMA decided to recommend the proposal to MOEF&CC, New Delhi under CRZ Notification 2011 subject to conditions. A CIDCO official said, “Dronagiri is a crucial node as it will be the link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai via MTHL. The node is developing fast and hence, there is a need for basic infrastructure development.”