Metro Line 2 cleared for Mumbai

MUMBAI: The Metro Line II (Dahisar-Charkop-Bandra-Mandala corridor) has been recommended for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA)in its 113th meeting approved the proposal subject to various conditions including no reclamation of coastal water bodies and ensuring the free flow of tidal water.
The entirely elevated corridor will go over the Dahisar river, the Poisar river, the Vanai river, Oshiwara river, Mithi river and Vakola nullah.In all 237 piers, 25 metres apart have been proposed for the project. Of these, 18 piers spread over 450 sq metres will be in CRZ I. The 219 piers in CRZ II are entirely on the median of existing roads.
The corridor which connects north-south and east-west suburban areas stretches 40 kms and is expected to ferry 21 lakh passengers daily by 2031. According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), that is executing the project, the distance between Dahisar to Mankhurd will be covered in 80 minutes. It is estimated to cost Rs 17,396 crore.
The metro line will have two car depots one at Malwani (19.59 hectares) and the other at Mandala (22 hectares).
Beautification project
Bio-digester toilet blocks will be set up at Gorai and Manori beach as part of the MMRDA’s Tourism Development Plan.
The MCZMA has granted permission to the Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority (MHADA) to build a police chowky, set up solar lights, benches for the public, provide drinking facilities at these beaches. All these facilities will come up in the CRZ I area.
The Authority has also granted permission for beautification and renovation work besides protection work at Carter Road and Bandra Promenade. Flooring work and parapet work is proposed to be taken up for up to 400 metres.
CRZ Violation
The state public works department is in trouble with the MCZMA. It constructed a view gallery for tourists at Guhaghar seashore (Ratnagiri district) without obtaining CRZ clearance. The department sought a post-facto sanction. The MCZMA has now directed the state environment department to initiate action under the Environment Protection Act (1986) for violation of the CRZ Notification 2011.