According to the minutes of the MCZMA's 202nd meeting, held on September 24, the authority recommended the proposal to the Union Environment Ministry after considering the MMRDA's explanation. The development authority is implementing the project, which is expected to affect thousands of mangroves across the project area.
The 7.12-km road project is expected to affect a total of 3,754 mangroves. Of these, 680 mangroves spread across approximately 1.7 hectares will be permanently lost because they fall within areas where piers for the elevated road are proposed. Another 1,053 mangroves are expected to be damaged during construction and restored afterwards, while the remaining 2,021 will largely remain untouched, according to the meeting minutes, a copy of which is with PTI.
The decision comes after the MCZMA deferred its decision in August and asked the MMRDA to examine alternative alignments to minimise damage to mangroves and the eco-sensitive zone.
In response, the MMRDA told the authority that "there is no alternative alignment which can substantially save the mangroves". It explained that the proposed route is located between existing developments on the western side and Thane Creek on the eastern side, limiting the scope for shifting the alignment.
To reduce the environmental impact, the MMRDA has proposed constructing the road as an elevated viaduct and increasing the distance between piers from 30 metres to 50 metres. The wider spacing is intended to reduce the number of foundations required and minimise damage to mangroves, PTI reported.
The MCZMA's recommendation is subject to several environmental safeguards. These include compensatory mangrove plantation in consultation with the Mangrove Cell, implementation of an Environmental Management Plan and monitoring of the project's environmental impact.
The project will also require the applicable statutory clearances, including approval from the Union Environment Ministry and other concerned authorities. The MCZMA's recommendation therefore does not eliminate the need to secure the remaining mandatory approvals.
The proposed greenfield road, measuring 7.129 km, will run along Thane Creek, connecting Anand Nagar in Mulund East with Balkum in Thane. It will extend Thane Coastal Road-1, which runs from Gaimukh in Thane to Kasheli Bridge, and connect with the proposed Kopri-Patni bridge and the Eastern Express Highway extension.
The MMRDA has maintained that the road will help divert regional and outside traffic away from Thane city while improving connectivity with Mumbai and other parts of the metropolitan region.
The project is also expected to reduce traffic congestion, accidents, air and noise pollution, and delays affecting passengers and freight. However, its implementation will involve the proposed permanent loss of 680 mangroves, alongside temporary construction-related damage to another 1,053, making environmental safeguards and the required statutory clearances key conditions for its progress.
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