Prithviraj Chavan seks MoEF nod for coastal road project

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has written a letter to the Centre seeking immediate environment clearance for the Rs8,000-crore coastal road project in Mumbai.

In his letter to Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan, the CM has requested the Centre to relax the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to enable the state reclaim the land along the seashore for road widening between Nariman Point and Kandivli.
“Chavan has sought an appointment with Natarajan next week where he will discuss the project, which is high on his agenda,” sources in the state government said.

Apart from the coastal road project, Chavan will also discuss issues related to environmental clearance for mega housing projects and Indu Mills, where a grand memorial for Dr BR Ambedkar is planned.

Sources in the CMO said, “The Centre is positive on giving its nod to the coastal road project. The CM has already written about the significance of coastal road to address the traffic congestions in Mumbai.”

He said the coastal road project will include beautification of the shoreline with dedicated lane for bikers and walkers.
The NCP has been voicing its opposition to the coastal road project. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was not keen on giving the nod for the project.