Title - WR Dahanu track project hits green roadblock

Mumbai: Work on additional railway lines in Dahanu has been stalled for want of environmental clearance.
    In 1991, the area was declared ‘an ecologically fragile area’ by the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). Dahanu taluka has green cover, with mangroves, and saltpans comprising 3%, orchards 6%, irrigated agricultural land 10% and forests 39% of the total area.
    The Western Railway (WR) general manager has been directed to submit its proposal for environmental clearance either to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone ManagementAuthority (MCZMA) or the MoEF before going ahead with its work.
    The MCZMA passed the orders following complaints by the Dahanu Area Sustainable Development Association (DASDA). In its complaint last December, the group pointed out that to lay the foundation of bridges, the railways had filled up 30% to 35%of Savta creek and65%of Dandi creek. “The free flow of water has been obstructed andthiswill resultin flooding in the eastern parts of Dahanu. Many villages will be affected in case of heavy rain,” said DASDA president Nandadeep Kokane.
    A WR spokesperson said the administration was unaware of the order. “The two bridges were being constructed in lieu of old ones, which are to be decommissioned,” said a WR spokesperson.
    “Theworkisbeing carried out in the railway area and care is being taken to ensure that the obstruction to the flow of water is minimal. The embankment is temporary and will be removed soon,” he added.