By Apurva Bhatt

The coastal road between Nariman Point and Kandivali has got clearance from the Union ministry of environment and forests, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday morning.

"Thank you @PrakashJavdekar jee for approving coastal road for Mumbai. It's a dream come true. Best gift to Mumbai by Modiji's Govt. (sic)," tweeted Fadnavis.

The draft notification of the clearance is expected to be published by June 15. The final notification will be out by Independence Day on August 15.

According to Fadnavis, there will be no change in the high tide line or theprevalent restrictions on construction activity in coastal zones. He also assured that there will not be any misuse of real estate.

"We have agreed to furnish it. The Centre also wanted an assurance from the state regarding the reclamation of some mangrove-laden tracts and we have committed to fulfill all legal obligations in this regard," said Fadnavis at Delhi on Monday.

The clearance for the road project was stuck as the environment ministry was hesitant to allow reclamation of sea, prohibited under the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) notification. CRZ norms are being modified accordingly to make room for this big-ticket project.

"The environment ministry has granted in-principle clearance to the project on certain conditions", Javadekar said.

"Reclamation should be restricted as much as possible. The reclaimed land should not be used for real-estate development and reclamation should not be allowed in the high tide line," he said.

In addition to the reclaimed stretches, 17.8 km would pass through tunnels, stilts, surface roads and elevated roads. Mangroves in Khar, Bandra, Versova and Oshiwara would be reclaimed for the project and the ministry has asked the Maharashtra government to plant double the number of mangroves reclaimed for the project.

A substantial area of 160 hectares will be reclaimed for the project to build a 9.8-km stretch and an additional 8 km will be built on reclaimed mangroves.

The 34-km long road has already attracted opposition from resident groups, environmentalists and transport analysts. Their argument is thatthe project will only promote ownership of private vehicles and there is need to improve public transportation systems.

"It is unfortunate if a final go-ahead has been given for the coastal road. Just go ahead and spend the same money on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (between Sewri and Nhava), if the government is interested only in very big projects. People will stay in Panvel in affordable accommodation and reach Central Mumbai in less than an hour," said environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal.