Mumbai : After nearly securing the Coastal Regulatory Zone clearance for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has been asked to revisit certain conditions before forest clearance for the MTHL is issued.
MMRDA has to now secure clearance from the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the MoEF which had expressed its concerns over non-consideration of issues in relation to Forest Rights Act.
“In the report submitted to the FAC, the district collector, who carried out survey in the forest area, mentioned that there were no tribals living in the area. However, FAC wanted us to revisit the issue,” said a MMRDA official, requested anonymity.
He added that the FAC has also expressed concern over one more technical issue.
The 22-km link will connect Sewri with Chirle in Navi Mumbai, thereby reducing travelling time.
Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be funding 80% of the estimate project cost of Rs 11,000 crore. JICA in the meanwhile too is carrying out its own environment assessment study before going ahead with the project.
