The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recently approved a contentious plan to construct a 450-meter anti-erosion bund at Gorai Beach in Borivali. This decision has been met with significant opposition from environmentalists, local residents, and fishermen. The proposed construction threatens to obstruct the picturesque sea view from numerous beachside homestays and resorts, a feature that significantly contributes to the area's popularity. The region, known for its natural beauty, has often been likened to Goa, as noted by Rossi D’Souza, Gorai's former sarpanch, who has voiced concerns about maintaining the area's pristine environment.
Coastal Defense Strategy Under Scrutiny
The project is part of a broader coastal defense strategy, as detailed in the MCZMA's December meeting notes. It falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone I (B) according to the 2019 Coastal Zone Management plan. The plan involves extending an existing seawall built by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, resulting in a significant structure sprawling 450 meters in length and varying in width. The structure is designed not only to prevent erosion but also to provide a habitat for marine benthic fauna. The project includes a geo-fabric filter layer at the base, indicating a commitment to environmental considerations in its design.
Erosion Concerns Prompt Action
A report from the Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS), dated March 31, 2023, has highlighted the urgent need for such a structure. Gorai Beach has been experiencing severe erosion, posing a threat to the surrounding residential properties. The report underlines the dire consequences of monsoon seasons, during which erosion has led to significant environmental damage, including the uprooting of trees. In response, the harbour engineer consulted CWPRS to design effective coastal defenses for Madh and Gorai, demonstrating a proactive approach to the environmental challenges faced by the region.
Environmental Impact and Community Responses
Hindustan Times mentioned that despite the apparent necessity of the project, it has faced criticism from various quarters. The superintending engineer of the Public Works Department's harbour engineering department has stated that the local community had requested the construction of the bund. However, environmental activists have raised concerns about the department's ability to make environmentally sound decisions and pointed out that such temporary solutions, now common along India's western coast, could lead to further beach erosion, underscoring the need for more sustainable and long-term environmental planning. These criticisms reflect a broader debate about the balance between necessary infrastructural development and environmental conservation, a topic that continues to be of paramount importance in coastal management strategies.
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