Mumbai: An application for realignment of the imaginary coastal regulation zone line in the Bandra-Khar area has been rejected by the state coastal zone management authority. The Maharashtra State Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has decided not to allow such requests anymore.
Akhtar Rizvi, a former member of Parliament and a builder, had sought the reclassification and delineation of the high tide line, the low tide line and CRZ for five projects in Bandra on grounds of "error evident on record". What this means is that the applicant has objected to the area/plot under question being classified as CRZ.The sea-facing Bandra-Khar area is prime property where market rate is approximately 24,000 per sq feet. There are 12 other projects in the Bandra-Santa Cruz belt where similar reclassifications have been sought.
While CRZ II norms apply in most parts of Mumbai where development can be undertaken as per the BMC's Development Control Regulations, such development is not allowed in CRZ I and CRZ III areas (traditional fishing areas etc).
Officials said that the Union ministry for environment and forests had already issued a notification in November last year to prepare a new coastal zone management plan for the state. "The BMC has already appointed IRS Chennai to undertake the work in Mumbai city and suburbs. The work started in January and will be completed by the year-end," said sources. Similar work has also started in other coastal districts of Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
Officials said taking up any reclassification exercise now would interfere with the new mapping that is underway. For, any rectification requires a detailed examination on how the error crept in and its rectification. The process involves onsite verification, including corroborative and independent evidence, besides satellite imagery and survey of India maps etc. Hence, the CZMA has decided not to allow any such requests.
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