Mumbai: BMC Invites Landowners To Set Up Mangrove Nurseries For Versova Bhayander Link Road Project Compliance

The Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the ambitious Versova-Bhayander link Road project mandates the BMC, along with the Mangrove Cell and Forest Department, to restore the impacted environment by establishing mangrove nurseries and a habitat restoration center along Mumbai's coastline. To comply, the civic body has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from landowners with a minimum of 10-15 hectares of contiguous land along the Versova-Bhayander stretch. 

The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 16,621 crore, will create a crucial connection between Versova and Dahisar, alleviating traffic congestion in the region. In addition, a 5.6 km long, 45-meter-wide elevated road will be constructed to link Dahisar with Bhayandar, further enhancing traffic flow. This infrastructure is expected to reduce the load on the Dahisar check naka by 30-35%. The project will also offer an alternate route to Mira-Bhayandar, improving connectivity and reducing travel time. The estimated cost for this elevated portion is approximately Rs. 3,304 crore.

"The road alignment begins at the existing Versova interchange and ends at the Bhayandar interchange, passing through sensitive areas such as mangroves, creek zones, and the metro depot of Metro Line No. 2A. In November 2024, we received CRZ clearance for the project, subject to conditions set by the MoEFCC. To comply with these requirements, we have invited EOI from landowners with suitable land for establishing Mangrove Nurseries and Habitat Restoration Centers, as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or other initiatives," said a senior civic official. 

As per the notice, "The lease period for such land parcels will range from 5 to 10 years, starting from the date the land is handed over to the BMC. The eligibility criteria for the land parcels include accessibility via a motorable road or a right of way with a minimum width of 9 meters. Preference will be given to parcels with tidal water exchange, and those affected by CRZ or mangrove areas will also be considered.