Coastal road to get artificial coral reefs

Pilot projects for biodiversity conservation

Kiran Karande : Sakaal News Service

Mumbai, 6th: In Mumbai, 'Artificial Coral Reefs' i.e. artificial rocks are being used to maintain the biodiversity affected by the 'Coastal Road' project. It was clarified that measures to preserve biodiversity should be taken while the coastal road project gets environmental clearance. Accordingly, the Mangroves Foundation and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have initiated an artificial reef project.

This pilot project has been undertaken to study the impact on biodiversity under the Coastal Road Project. Artificial reefs are being created in coastal road project areas and in sea-wall areas. These rocks will be maintained by the organization and the increase in biodiversity and new growth will be studied on the occasion of the project. Also, the usefulness of artificial rocks will also be studied in a comparative manner. For this purpose, the Mangroves Foundation has paid Rs. 52 lakh out of Rs. 88 lakh to NIO under the contract.

While approving the coastal road project, the Ministry of Environment had stipulated that 2% of the project's funds should be given to the Kandalvan area. According to this, the Kandalvan area has been given 175 crore rupees.The pilot project has been undertaken only from the interest earned under this scheme.

What all will be studied?

A special sea wall is also being constructed through NIO and Mangroves Foundation. Therefore, if biodiversity develops here, the challenge for both organizations will be to create a conducive environment for their growth. An artificial reef will be constructed at the sea wall site of the Coastal Road. Six things will be studied under the project. It will mainly study distance and biodiversity characteristics, wave speed and exposure, near bays and tidal areas etc.

Migratory coral in good condition.

Corals were relocated from Worli beach to Colaba under the artificial reef project. Corals relocated under this relocation project were found to be in very good condition. Various measures are being taken for corals by NIO and Kandalvan Cell of the Forest Department

Corals were relocated from Haji Ali area to Navy Nagar in Colaba. Of the 329 living coral species of corals, 303 species (92% percent) were found to be healthy. Under the pilot project, one block wall will be constructed at Priyadarshini Park, two at Worli and two at Haji Ali.

Why artificial rocks?

Currently work has started in Worli under the pilot project. According to the design, the artificial rocks are being kept at this place during low tides by means of cranes. At present, NIO is going to design and monitor artificial reefs in Worli. Therefore, how successful this design is to attract biodiversity here, will be clear only through the aquatic life and biodiversity found here in the coming days. Manas Manjrekar, researcher of Mangroves Foundation, said that illegal work is also anticipated in other selected places in the future.