The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to upgrade the four-lane carriageway between Vadpe in Bhiwandi taluka to Thane city to an eight-lane thoroughfare. For this road widening project, the Thane district will likely lose 14 hectares of forest. NHAI is awaiting a nod from the Union Environment Ministry to clear the green cover on the grounds. It will also ease the traffic in the area.
They have sent the proposal to the ministry during this month's second week. NHAI has stated that it will require 14.613 hectares (equivalent to 41 acres) of forest land. It will need 110.45 hectares of non-forested space.
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The authority explained that the exiting road from Vadpe to Thane had witnessed a lot of traffic since it was made a four-lane route because the road is a vital link that connects NH8, NH3, NH4, NH17, bypassing Mumbai. In 1984, NHAI had sent a proposal to divert 13.91 hectares; however, there are no records of the same.
NHAI is also waiting for the ministry's approval to clear 10 hectares of mangroves forest to construct Balkum to Gaimukh DP Road in Thane. It is said to be an NH-3 connector.
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