Mumbai Coastal Road Phase-II: Balancing Urban Infrastructure with Ecological Sustainability

Furthermore, the project intersects with socio-economic issues, particularly the livelihoods of the Koli community, Mumbai’s indigenous fisherfolk. The construction has disrupted traditional fishing zones and navigation channels. While the government has promised compensation and designed navigation spans, the community argues that the long-term ecological damage to intertidal zones—essential for fish breeding—remains unaddressed. This highlights the necessity of inclusive urban planning where 'development' does not come at the cost of marginalized livelihoods. The Coastal Road serves as a case study for Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). It forces a re-evaluation of whether urban solutions should prioritize private vehicular movement or focus on mass transit and ecological restoration. For policymakers, the challenge lies in implementing robust Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) that go beyond mere compliance to ensure genuine ecological and social safeguards. UPSC Relevance: This development is a prime example of the 'Development vs. Environment' debate, essential for GS Paper I (Urbanization) and GS Paper III (Infrastructure and Environment). It provides a concrete case study for discussing the socio-economic impacts of infrastructure on indigenous communities and the importance of sustainable urban planning in coastal regions.