Mumbai Officials Inspect Mannat for CRZ Violations in Bandra West
Mumbai’s forest department and municipal authorities have launched an inquiry into a proposed vertical expansion at a prominent sea-facing property in Bandra West, following a complaint over possible Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations. The property, which includes a heritage bungalow, is under strict environmental and heritage scrutiny.
Crz NormsHeritage PropertyMannat InspectionMczma ApprovalCoastal RegulationReal Estate MumbaiJun 21, 2025
The inspection was conducted on Friday by a joint team of officials from the forest department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s H-West ward. This followed a formal complaint submitted by a local activist, raising objections to proposed construction plans that seek to add two additional storeys to the existing six-floor structure. The property lies within a designated CRZ area and also includes a colonial-era heritage structure dating back to 1914.
Officials stated that no unauthorised construction had commenced at the site as of now. However, the owners have been asked to furnish all necessary documentation, including prior clearances and the current development proposal. A forest officer associated with the inspection said that the matter would proceed to the next stage only after the verification of records submitted by the property owners. The annexe in question currently comprises six floors above ground, along with two basement levels, and serves as the main residence on the estate. Positioned along the Arabian Sea, the total area under ownership spans more than 2,000 square metres, making it one of the most valuable private plots in the city’s western waterfront corridor.
Official records show that the application to add two additional floors was submitted to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) in November 2023, with a stated project cost of ₹25 crore. The property’s proximity to the high tide line and its location within the CRZ-II zone places it under strict environmental oversight. Additionally, the original bungalow, categorised as a Grade III heritage structure, adds another layer of regulatory complexity to the project. The complaint lodged by the activist has flagged concerns regarding the environmental sensitivity of the site and its location near the hazard line as demarcated by the Survey of India. The letter also referenced the protected heritage status of the adjacent building, indicating that any structural expansion must be evaluated not just through the environmental lens, but also from the perspective of heritage conservation.
Experts in urban planning and environment governance point out that high-value coastal real estate developments in Mumbai must navigate a complicated matrix of permissions involving heritage, municipal, and environmental regulations. In this case, the proposal’s compliance with the CRZ Notification 2019, heritage guidelines, and applicable building regulations will be under scrutiny as part of the inquiry process. The forest department has confirmed that it will complete a detailed report based on documentation submitted by the owners and forward its findings to the relevant authorities, including the MCZMA. While no conclusive finding has yet been reached, officials have stated that the case is being handled with due diligence, given the strategic location and regulatory sensitivities involved.
As Mumbai’s coastline continues to see growing pressure from real estate development, the outcome of this inquiry may serve as a precedent for future enforcement of CRZ norms in heritage and high-value zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern raised by the local activist?
The local activist raised concerns about the proposed construction plans for adding two additional storeys to an existing six-floor structure, citing possible violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and the heritage status of the adjacent building.
What is the status of the current construction at the property?
No unauthorised construction has commenced at the site as of now. The property owners have been asked to furnish all necessary documentation and clearances.
What are the regulatory complexities involved in this case?
The proposal must comply with the CRZ Notification 2019, heritage guidelines, and applicable building regulations, given the property's location within a CRZ-II zone and its Grade III heritage status.
Who conducted the inspection and when?
A joint team of officials from the forest department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s H-West ward conducted the inspection on Friday.
What is the potential impact of this inquiry on future CRZ enforcement?
The outcome of this inquiry may serve as a precedent for future enforcement of CRZ norms in heritage and high-value zones in Mumbai, given the growing pressure from real estate development along the coastline.
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