In a key infrastructure–environment decision, the Government of Maharashtra has approved the diversion of 0.1814 hectares of mangrove forest land in Mumbai’s suburban district for the construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) No. 9 on the Poisar River at Walnai in Borivali.
The official order, issued by the state’s Revenue and Forest Department on February 23, 2026, allows the land to be handed over to the storm water drains (SWD) division of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the river rejuvenation and beautification project.
Central Approval Preceded State Order
The clearance follows a multi-stage approval process under India’s forest conservation laws. The regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in Nagpur had already granted:
- In-principle approval in September 2024
- Final approval in March 2025
After verifying compliance conditions, the state government issued the final diversion order allowing transfer of the land for non-forest use.
Project Scope and Land Details
The diverted parcel comprises both identified and unnotified mangrove forest patches totaling 0.1814 hectares, divided into two segments:
- 0.0638 ha (approx. 58m × 11m strip)
- 0.1176 ha (approx. 84m × 14m strip)
The land falls within Mumbai Suburban district and is categorized as mangrove forest area, which is legally protected and requires central clearance for any non-forest use.
Strict Environmental Compliance Conditions
The approval comes with stringent safeguards:
- The Mangrove Conservation Unit must verify all conditions before land handover.
- Authorities must monitor compliance continuously.
- Any violation can lead to cancellation of permission and legal action under the Forest Conservation Act.
- Forest officials must be granted unrestricted site access for inspection.
If compliance lapses occur, the matter must be reported to the Deputy Director General of Forests at the central ministry.
Public Disclosure Requirements
The government has also mandated transparency measures:
- The civic agency must publish full clearance details in two widely circulated newspapers (one English, one regional language).
- Local bodies must display the order publicly for 30 days.
These provisions aim to ensure public awareness and scrutiny of environmental clearances involving ecologically sensitive land.
Why the Project Matters
The Poisar River rejuvenation initiative is part of Mumbai’s broader push to improve urban water management and reduce pollution in natural drainage channels. Sewage treatment plants along rivers are considered critical for:
- Reducing untreated wastewater discharge
- Preventing flooding
- Restoring urban waterways
- Improving coastal ecosystems
However, projects involving mangrove land often draw scrutiny due to the ecological importance of these coastal forests, which act as natural flood barriers and biodiversity zones.
Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Forms Probe Panel Over Illegal Mangrove Constructions in Thane’s Majiwade Area
