The Congress party's Thane unit has raised serious concerns over alleged large-scale land reclamation and displacement of mangroves and natural water channels in the Balkum-Thane creek area to facilitate the construction of the Coastal Road extension project. In a statement, the party warned of potential flooding during the monsoon season and called for an independent environmental assessment to evaluate the project's impact on mangroves, biodiversity, and natural watercourses.
Allegations of Ecological Damage
Rahul Pingale, the president of the Thane unit, said, "Reclamation work has been undertaken at several locations adjoining creeks, wetlands and mangrove belts as part of the project which will potentially obstruct the natural flow of rainwater towards the creek during the monsoon. Mangroves are not mere trees but are the coastline’s natural defence system and any damage to them could lead to flooding and ecological imbalance." The party questioned the alleged silence of regulatory and administrative authorities, including the district administration, Thane Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the state mangrove cell.
Demand for High-Level Inquiry
Pingale added, "We have sought a high-level inquiry and independent environmental assessment to evaluate the impact of the project on mangroves, biodiversity and natural watercourses. We have complained to the district collector, the municipal commissioner and the mangrove cell regarding the ongoing reclamation and hope for timely action." The Thane Coastal Road linking Gaimukh to Kharegaon is considered a vital link bypassing the congested Ghodbunder highway, which will drive away all outbound traffic from Thane city limits, easing congestion and pollution. However, environmentalists and local activists have expressed concerns over its ecological footprint.
