In the wake of the upcoming construction of a six-tier elevated bridge spanning the Ghansoli-Airoli stretch, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stirred a wave of concern among environmentalists as it plans to axe 316 trees in the vicinity. This decision follows the prior clearance for the removal of 3540 mangroves, deepening the environmental impact of the ambitious project.

The proposed bridge, set to cover a length of approximately 1950 meters, is expected to encroach upon four hectares of forest land, with a comprehensive network of connecting roads spanning 3.5 kilometres. Additionally, the bridge will be integrated into the Airoli-Katai road and the Mulund-Airoli creek bridge, necessitating the establishment of 25 pillars.

Of particular concern is the revelation from the December 2022 report by the Mangrove Cell, which highlights the route of the bridge traversing 12,150 square meters of forest land in the Airoli and Ghansoli areas, ultimately resulting in the loss of 3540 mangroves. This grim statistic has sparked outcry from environmentalists, who fear the irreversible damage to the area's delicate ecosystem and its impact on the local biodiversity, including exotic bird species and the livelihoods of the region's fishermen.

In response to the escalating concerns, the Kandal (Mangrove) Forest Department has issued a preliminary report outlining plans for the plantation of 17,000 mangroves in Palghar, aiming to offset the environmental impact of the bridge construction. Furthermore, the Municipal Park Department has been approached for permission to relocate the 316 trees obstructing the progress of the project, informed Yashwant Kapse, Deputy Engineer of the Airoli Ghansoli Creek project.