The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently received the requisite approvals for the translocation of coral colonies at Haji Ali and Worli. However, experts said that these corals may not survive a translocation. Now, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife, has told the BMC to ensure the survival of the coral installations after they are shifted to the new locations.
Also read - Experts Say Corals At Haji Ali And Worli May Not Survive If Translocated
Further, the State Forest Department has said that if there are any mishaps or issues during the translocation process that may impact the well-being of the corals, the permissions can be revoked.
The translocation of corals is taking place due to the 10.58 KM Coastal Road Project which is expected to change the ecology near Mumbai’s coast. The BMC had appointed the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) to study the corals and other marine wildlife in the region. The road project is expected to cost Rs 12,700 crores and will start from Princess Street Flyover ending at the Worli side of the Bandra-Worli Sealink.
Read - BMC Gets The Go-Ahead For The Translocation Of Corals At Haji Ali And Worli
BMC officials have previously said the translocation of corals will only take two days in November and that they are waiting for low-tides in the region. Coral colonies currently at Haji Ali will be shifted to Marine Lines while the colonies in Worli will be moved slightly further away from the construction site of the Coastal Road Project.
As per the permissions granted by the PCCF, the translocation is to begin on October 29 and end by December 31, 2020. During the translocation, a representative from the forest department or the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Cell) are expected to be present along with an expert from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) or the NIO.
Also read - BMC Awaiting Wildlife Clearances To Translocate Coral Reefs For Coastal Road Project
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