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.
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