“We have received this letter and will be questioning BMC about their compliance with the CRZ conditions,” said Mhaiskar. According to the letter, BMC partly complied with the order by depositing Rs25 crore with the Mangrove Foundation in June 2019. The interest earned thereon is utilized for improving coastal and marine biodiversity of Mumbai and Thane region and to build awareness among citizens...,” the letter said. Vijay Nighot, chief engineer (Coastal Road), BMC refused to comment on the matter. They are obligated under the law to deposit 2% of the project cost, which is a reserve fund for marine conservation.

Source: Hindustan Times November 04, 2020 05:27 UTC