Maharashtra Gets Approval for New Coastal Zone Management Authority After Eight-Month Delay
After a prolonged eight-month delay, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has finally been approved by the Centre, allowing over 165 critical infrastructure and development projects to move forward in the state’s coastal regions.
Coastal ManagementInfrastructure ProjectsEnvironmental ClearanceMczmaMaharashtraReal Estate MaharashtraJul 09, 2025
The newly approved MCZMA committee comes after two previously proposed panels were rejected by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Sources confirmed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay, which had caused significant project backlogs. The last meeting regarding the authority’s reconstitution was held in December 2024 under the tenure of Pravin Darade, then Principal Secretary of the Environment Department.
The delay was primarily due to restrictions on reappointments; individuals who had already served two terms in the MCZMA were deemed ineligible for a new term. It was only after a fresh list was submitted that the Centre issued the final notification approving the committee.
Several projects by agencies such as the BMC, MMRDA, and CIDCO were in limbo, pending environmental clearance from MCZMA as required under the Coastal Regulation Zone provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These include developments in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Palghar, and Sindhudurg.
The new committee will be chaired by Jayashree Bhoj, secretary of the environment department. It includes senior officials from revenue, urban development, fisheries, and forestry departments, as well as academic and environmental experts. Notable members include Dr Lakshmipura Ranganath from CWPRS, Dr Milind Sardesai of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Dr Amit Bansiwal from NEERI, and Aneesh Andheria from the Wildlife Conservation Trust.
A senior environment department official confirmed that the first meeting of the reconstituted authority will be scheduled next week. Industry leaders, including the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry, welcomed the decision and urged swift action to clear the mounting backlog of projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCZMA?
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) is a regulatory body responsible for managing and protecting the coastal areas of Maharashtra, ensuring that development projects adhere to environmental standards.
Why was the formation of the MCZMA delayed?
The formation of the MCZMA was delayed due to restrictions on reappointments, as individuals who had already served two terms were deemed ineligible for a new term. This led to a prolonged process of forming a new committee.
How many projects were affected by the delay?
Over 165 critical infrastructure and development projects across Maharashtra’s coastal regions were affected by the delay in forming the MCZMA.
Who chairs the new MCZMA committee?
The new MCZMA committee is chaired by Jayashree Bhoj, the secretary of the environment department.
When is the first meeting of the reconstituted MCZMA scheduled?
The first meeting of the reconstituted MCZMA is scheduled for next week, as confirmed by a senior environment department official.
Related News Articles
Indian Real Estate Sector's Expectations from Union Budget 2024-25
The Indian real estate sector is looking forward to the Union Budget 2024-25, hoping for policies that will boost housing demand and infrastructure development.
WSB Real Estate's Fourth AIF Attracts ₹700 Crore for Affordable Housing Investments
WSB Real Estate Partners has successfully raised over ₹700 crore through its real estate debt fund to invest in mid-income and affordable housing projects in tier I and select tier II cities in India.
Nitin Gadkari Talks Green Highways and PM Ambitions at India Today Conclave Mumbai
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addresses PM offer rumors, discusses road infrastructure and green highways at India Today Conclave Mumbai
VTP Realty Launches 'Doosri Diwali VTP Wali 2024': Pune's Premier Home-Buying Festival
VTP Realty, Pune's leading real estate brand, is set to bring back its highly anticipated 'Doosri Diwali VTP Wali 2024'. Combining heritage with innovation, this event transforms the home-buying experience into a festive tradition.
Subhash Ghai and Wife Purchase a Luxury Apartment in Mumbai for Rs 24 Crore
Film director Subhash Ghai and his wife have recently made a significant investment by buying a 4 BHK apartment in the elite 81 Aureate project, developed by the MJ Shah Group. The property, which is worth Rs 24 crore, is located in one of Mumbai’s prime
Sandeep Jain's Top Picks: Largecap, Midcap, and Smallcap Stocks to Watch
Market expert Sandeep Jain has shared his top stock picks across largecap, midcap, and smallcap sectors. These selections offer promising growth potential in various industries, including real estate and pharmaceuticals.