Javadekar likely to spell out coastal policy this week

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently discussed the issue with Javadekar, urging him to take up Mumbai’s coastal road project on priority, as it is only awaiting clearance from the Centre. While Javadekar has in principle given the nod for the project, the Centre has asked the state to wait till it evolves a coastal development policy on land reclamation.

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“The coastal road development will provide major relief for commuters in Mumbai. It will also give a major facelift to the scenic coastal stretch,” Fadnavis said. For this, the Maharashtra government needs to reclaim 9.8 km land from the sea. The government will ensure environmental concerns are addressed, the CM added.

At present the 35.6 km stretch from Nariman Point to Kandivali along the western sea front is estimated to be worth Rs 12,000 crore.
Stringent norms on land reclamation were enforced two decades ago. If the Centre gives permission for reclamation for a coastal road, it could spark protests by non-government organisations. The Mumbai project could also set a trend for other projects across country, sources said.

The state’s argument is that a comprehensive uniform policy on coastal development or land reclamation may not work on the same principles across states. Therefore, it has urged the Centre to consider Mumbai’s case on merit.

It has also indicated that the coastal road development project was mooted after taking into consideration all pros and cons, including financial and environmental implications.

The state government has sought technology and expertise of the Netherlands for the project. “Netherlands has emerged as a global expert in development of infrastructure on land and sea. We intend to seek their expertise for the coastal project,” Fadnavis said.

Govt to take up clearance for mega infrastructure projects with Centre

Mumbai: Ahead of the visit of a Chinese delegation in mid-June, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis plans to take up mega projects in infrastructure, ports, IT, automobiles sector with various ministries at the Centre. High on the agenda is Nhava Sheva Transharbour Link. “We want the project to be complete by 2019,” Fadnavis said.

The Shandong Hi-Speed Group Company has agreed to a partnership with MSRDC and MMRDA for investment and development of infrastructure.

The state government will engage visiting delegations representing China State Construction Engineering Corporation, China Machinery Engineering Corp and China Roads and Bridge Corporation. (ENS)