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Local stakeholders express concerns over Marve-Manori flyover project in BMC meeting

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently held a meeting with Manori residents to discuss the upcoming Marve-Manori flyover, part of a broader six-bridge initiative to enhance connectivity in the western suburbs. The project elicited objections and protests from local fishermen and farmers, citing concerns about ecological damage and threats to traditional livelihoods. Lack of basic amenities in surrounding villages compounded residents' apprehensions, with concerns voiced about the prioritisation of infrastructure over essential services.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Vishwas Shankarwar acknowledged a mix of opinions among stakeholders during the consultation meeting, where the project details were explained, and feedback was solicited via a suggestions/objections form.

The BMC's plan to construct six major bridges aims to alleviate congestion on key routes like SV Road and the Western Express Highway, benefiting commuters travelling between Oshiwara and Madh.

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) deferred CRZ clearances for five of the proposed bridges in 2022, urging BMC to explore alternative alignments to minimise mangrove impact.

BMC has justified the Marve-Manori bridge as essential for improving connectivity, citing the current lengthy commute of nearly 29 km via the Western Express Highway and Bhayander-Gorai route, which can take up to two hours during peak traffic.

In summary, BMC's consultation with Manori residents regarding the Marve-Manori flyover revealed significant opposition from local stakeholders due to concerns about ecological damage, disruption of traditional livelihoods, and inadequate provision of basic amenities. Despite objections, BMC defended the bridge project as crucial for enhancing connectivity in the western suburbs, emphasising its potential to reduce travel times and alleviate congestion on existing routes. The MCZMA's deferral of CRZ clearances underscored the need for BMC to address environmental concerns and explore alternative alignments to minimise adverse impacts on mangroves.

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