The proposed 9.89-km Bandra-Versova sea link has got an environmental clearance.Though the clearance was given last October before the term of the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) expired, it was issued only in February.The issuance was delayed as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had not fulfilled all requirements.“Now that MSRDC has complied with all requirements, the clearance has been issued,“ said Satish Gavai, principal secretary , environment department. However, activists pointed out t no public consultations were that no public consultations were held for the Versova-Bandra stretch. “Since fresh terms of reference (ToR) were issued in February 2016, there should have been public consultations,“ said advocate Zaman Ali.
RMoppalwar, managing director of MSRDC, said, “In 2013, we held extensive public consultations and were issued the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance only thereafter. As the project extends over 20,000 sq m into the sea and it requires a CRZ clearance.
Read more: The Economic Times
