24.1.15

MCZMA clears Shivaji memorial site

The site chosen for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Arabian Sea got a green signal from Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) on Friday . In the same meeting, BMC moved a proposal seeking amendment of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011 to allow reclamation for construction of the coastal road. Developers, who were also present, sought clearance for projects close to the bay . They were asked to submit certificates from authorities supporting their claims for CRZ clearance.
The public works department presented its argument on why the site it had selected for the Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial was well thought-out. PWD said its members had examined three to four sites before zeroing in on the 15.9-hectare rocky outcrop 1.5 km from Raj Bhavan for the 190-foot statue.
Once MCZMA forwards its approval to MoEF , it will draw up terms of reference for environment impact assessment, environment management and disaster management plan, which will be carried out by PWD through consultants.
On the proposed Rs.10,000 crore coastal road project, BMC made a proposal for amending CRZ Notification 2011 to allow reclamation. Additional commissioner S V R Srinivas said BMC, as part of the amendment, gave an undertaking that it will not allow any real estate project in the reclaimed area; it will be maintained as public open spaces. “Also, existing high tide line will not be altered and will determine project approvals.” A detailed report from STUP consultants is expected by month-end.
Meanwhile, the environment authority got over 60 building projects in the bay area from Bandra to Colaba for CRZ clearance. It directed them to get certificates from national hydrographic office, Dehradun, certifying bay area, and another certificate from IRS Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram.

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