Green light for Goregaon Creek bridge: MCZMA grants crucial clearance

The site where the proposed bridge will come up in Andheri. File Pic/Atul Kamble

Exciting developments are unfolding for the residents of Goregaon West, Oshiwara, and Andheri West. The eagerly anticipated bridge over Goregaon Creek, situated behind Bhagat Singh Nagar, has taken a substantial step towards realisation. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has granted its recommendation for the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance required for the project.

During the 167th meeting of the MCZMA on May 18, 2023, the proposal, as detailed in the minutes, was extensively discussed. The BMC has presented plans for the construction of a bridge behind Bhagat Singh Nagar, spanning Goregaon Creek along a 36.6-meter-wide DP road at the border of K/W and P/S wards. The proposed bridge will be a cable-stayed design featuring an A-type pylon on a pile foundation.

As per the outlined plans, a vehicular bridge measuring 512 metres in length and 26.95 metres in width is intended to alleviate congestion on key arterial routes, including the Western Express Highway and the new link road. Notably, the project site passes through CRZ IA, CRZ IB, CRZ II, and NDZ areas, as indicated in BMC's submission.

In accordance with the MCZMA meeting minutes, "The Authority, following deliberation, resolved to recommend the proposal to the MoEF&CC in New Delhi under CRZ Notification, 2019, subject to various conditions." It has been emphasised that the proposed activities must adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the CRZ Notification, 2019, along with any amendments made over time, and in accordance with guidelines and clarifications provided by MoEF.

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The minutes also underscore the necessity for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM) to construct the bridge on stilts to minimise its impact on the mangrove area. The Project Proponent (PP) is required to take extensive measures during the construction phase to minimise the bridge's footprint on the mangroves. Additionally, the PP is mandated to seek prior high court permission in line with the order dated September 17, 2018, in PIL 87/2006, owing to the mangrove clearance involved. Furthermore, the PP is directed to secure a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Mangrove Cell and execute compensatory mangrove plantation in consultation with the Mangrove Cell.

Directives have also been issued to the PP to obtain prior forest clearance as per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. MCZMA has further instructed the BMC to ensure that the proposed activities do not impede the operations of local fishermen or fishing practices and that the flow of creek water remains unhindered.

The minutes state, "Disposal of solid or liquid waste in the coastal area is strictly prohibited. Solid waste management must adhere to the Solid Wastes Management Rules, 2016. During construction, extensive efforts must be taken to preserve coastal ecology and biodiversity. The Project Proponent is tasked with effectively implementing an environment management plan throughout the construction and operational phases to safeguard the coastal environment.

Labour camps are prohibited in CRZ areas, and wastewater from such entities must not be released into the sea. Mobile toilets equipped with mobile STPs should be provided in work-front areas. All necessary permissions from different statutory bodies must be secured prior to project commencement."

512 mtrs
Length of the bridge