Mumbai's Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road in photos: Trees, mangroves and transport benefits debate

Public hearings for the Versova–Bhayander coastal road did not specifically include fishing communities as officials said the alignment does not pass through any traditional fishing villages. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Authorities have recognised that creekside construction and mangrove loss could affect fisherfolk livelihoods and stated that compensation and rehabilitation measures will be provided based on assessment findings. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Versova has been tasked with conducting a socio-economic impact study, including baseline surveys and identifying affected persons for compensation planning. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Fisherfolk have claimed that ground-level surveys are yet to begin despite construction activity already starting, raising concerns about delays in assessing actual impacts on communities. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Around 103 hectares of mangrove land is expected to be affected by the project, posing ecological concerns due to the destruction of sensitive coastal habitats. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Officials argue that the project will benefit nearly 50 lakh people daily by improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and enhancing transport efficiency across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Protests have highlighted a gap between official environmental assessments and local experiences, particularly over concerns such as tree loss and ecological disruption in affected areas. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Officials stated that no trees in the project area qualify as heritage trees after detailed assessment, as they do not meet criteria related to age, size, rarity, or cultural importance. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Authorities said benefit estimates are based on regional mobility studies, covering a projected population of over 2 crore, with around 25% expected to gain from improved infrastructure. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)

Authorities plan to restore nearly 37,000 mangrove trees through a large-scale ecological programme, though experts note that mangrove plantation is complex and often has low success rates. (PHOTO CREDIT: Uma Kadam/TNN)