NGO alleges green cover loss at Khar Danda, Juhu due to VBSL work in Mumbai

The construction site of the jetty at Khar Danda, where debris is allegedly being dumped. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Mumbai-based NGO Watchdog Foundation has alleged that near the construction site of the jetty at Khar Danda and the connector of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) at Juhu Koliwada, residents have witnessed the destruction of green cover on land adjoining the Pump House at Khar Danda/Guzder Bandh.

On Sunday, the NGO sent a letter to the chief minister, the chief secretary of Maharashtra, and the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), claiming that mangroves and green cover are being destroyed due to indiscriminate dumping of debris at Khar Danda. In its letter, the NGO stated that the VBSL project includes the construction of four jetties, at Bandra, Danda, Juhu, and Versova. In addition, connectors are proposed at the Otters Club (Carter Road, Bandra), Juhu Koliwada, and Versova.

"During the ongoing construction of the jetty at Khar Danda and the connector at Juhu Koliwada, local residents have observed the destruction of the green cover on land adjoining Pump House, at Khar Danda/Guzder Bandh. Mangroves and other forms of greenery are being destroyed due to the indiscriminate dumping of debris. There is a growing concern that this cleared land will soon be encroached upon by slums," stated the complaint.

The NGO has demanded that, as a preventive measure, the construction area be adequately barricaded to protect it from future encroachments. "The site should remain accessible only for legitimate, traditional fishing activities carried out by local fishermen," read the complaint.

The cost of the VBSL project has risen from Rs 11,332 crore (sanctioned in 2018) to Rs 18,120 crore, marking an increase of Rs 6788 crore. The increase in cost has been attributed to the relocation of the casting yard from Juhu to Malad, as well as to beautification and lighting purposes. Once completed, the VBSL is expected to reduce 45 to 60 minutes of the time it currently takes commuters to travel between Bandra and Versova.

According to MSRDC officials, the project will also provide indirect benefits such as reduced vehicle maintenance costs, environmental advantages, increased land appreciation, more job opportunities and improved mental peace for drivers due to reduced traffic congestion. The VBSL will include a 2.25-km connector with two lanes in either direction at Bandra, a 2.57-km connector at Carter Road with three lanes in either direction, a 4.5-km connector at Juhu with two lanes in either direction, and a 4.29 km connector at Versova, along with a cable-stayed bridge.