Latest news with #CoastalRoad
News18
5 days ago
- Science
- News18
Mumbai's Marine Drive: Wondered What Are Those ‘Weird Starfish-Like' Structures? Here's The Science
Tetrapods are four-legged concrete blocks designed to protect coastlines. You may have noticed the unusual star-shaped concrete blocks along the edge of the sea at Mumbai's Marine Drive. While they might appear to be random pieces of art, these structures actually play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from the strong waves of the Arabian Sea. These blocks are called tetrapods. Standing guard along Marine Drive for years, there are over 6,000 tetrapods spread along the shoreline, according to The Indian Express. They protect the promenade and nearby buildings from erosion and wave damage. So, What Exactly Are Tetrapods And How Do They Work? Tetrapods are heavy concrete blocks with four legs sticking out. First used in France in the late 1940s, they are arranged in an interlocking but porous pattern to slow down waves and disperse their force, which reduces the damage caused by strong tides. As per The Indian Express, each tetrapod can weigh around two tonnes, sometimes up to 10 tonnes. The unique design allows water to flow around them rather than hit a solid wall, which reduces the wave's impact on the shore. Their interlocking placement also helps them stay stable during storms. Marine Drive's tetrapods were first installed in the late 1990s to protect the reclaimed land along South Mumbai. In January, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had approved a proposal to replace the old tetrapods along Marine Drive. According to a Mid-day report, the existing ones were installed between 1960 and 1965 and partially replaced between 1982 and 2002. They were made using M20-grade cement and had a lifespan of about 40 years. That lifespan has now ended. Over the years, some tetrapods were damaged by Cyclone Nisarga, and others had to be removed during the Coastal Road project. 'It's not feasible to shift the old tetrapods back into position. Since their lifespan is over, we have decided to replace them," a civic official told Mid-day. Made with high-grade M40 cement, these new tetrapods are designed to last 100 years. The BMC had reportedly allocated Rs 43.61 crore for the project. 'The new tetrapods will offer enhanced protection due to the use of stronger materials," the official added How Tetrapod Removal Affected Marine Drive Residents In 2022, during the Coastal Road construction, authorities removed a three-kilometre stretch of tetrapods along Marine Drive. This left parts of the iconic promenade more exposed to the waves of the Arabian Sea. Residents of two sea-facing buildings on Marine Drive started noticing unusual vibrations inside their homes. They connected these tremors to the stronger wave activity hitting the unprotected coastline. They told the BMC in a letter: 'I would like to bring to your urgent notice that for the last few days, many residents of Shreeniketan and Gobind Mahal buildings (sea-facing buildings between G&F Road on Marine Drive) have been feeling vibrations. The vibrations come for 1 second and in intervals for a period of ~30-60 minutes in the afternoons. These vibrations feel like tremors akin to an earthquake. Many of us searched if there was an earthquake in Mumbai. Now imagine earthquake-like tremors 20-30 times an hour." Although the BMC did not directly state that the removal of the tetrapods caused these vibrations, they agreed to take action. As reported by The Indian Express, the civic body temporarily reinstalled tetrapods in these vulnerable sections to help absorb the wave energy and ease the problem. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 15:26 IST News viral Mumbai's Marine Drive: Wondered What Are Those 'Weird Starfish-Like' Structures? Here's The Science Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Time of India
Safety concerns raised over Coastal Road promenade in Mumbai
MUMBAI: Even as the BMC is yet to formally inaugurate the coastal road promenade between Breach Candy and Worli, local residents are already flagging concerns regarding its management and safety. Civic sources said they are awaiting a date from the chief minister's office for the opening. During a meeting held on July 30, with Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), representatives of the Worli Residents Committee, Breach Candy Residents Forum, Napean Sea Road Citizens' Forum, and officials from the Coastal Road project put forth several suggestions. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai These included a demand for a complete no-parking policy along the coastal road, usage of designated bus bays only for pick-ups and drop-offs, restricted operating hours for the promenade to ensure safety, and limiting pedestrian access strictly through underpasses. They also stressed on the importance of actively monitoring the over 100 CCTV cameras installed along the stretch for better crowd and traffic management.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Opening of Coastal Road promenade postponed
M umbai: A 5.25km portion of the newly built Mumbai Coastal Road south, which was planned to be opened on July 15, has now been pushed further. The new date of opening is not yet known. There are over a dozen pedestrian underpasses, also known as PUPs, which will help pedestrians connect to the promenade. The BMC had planned to open only a portion of the promenade from Priyadarshini Park up to Haji Ali and Baroda Palace up to Worli. This section measures around 5.25km. The entire promenade is 7.5km and also has a cycle track as part of it. BMC officials have identified four locations along the promenade for installing temporary toilet facilities for six months to one year. The locations identified are near Amarsons Garden in Breach Candy, two in Worli, and one in Mahalaxmi. The promenade is a key component of the Coastal Road project, which aims to create public spaces along the coastline. tnn You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
News18
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Richa Chadha Slams Coastal Road Expansion For Mangrove Destruction: ‘We'll All Be Underwater...'
Richa Chadha criticizes BMC's decision to cut mangroves for Mumbai's Coastal Road project, warning it could lead to devastating ecological consequences. Bollywood actress and outspoken environmental advocate Richa Chadha has taken a strong stand against the proposed destruction of over 31 hectares of mangroves for Mumbai's Coastal Road (North) project. The plan, spearheaded by the BMC and recently greenlit in principle by the Centre, has sparked outrage among environmentalists—and now, celebrities. Taking to social media, Richa expressed her alarm over the ecological repercussions of the project. 'The proposal to chop 31 hectares of mature mangroves for the Coastal Road (which only a minuscule percentage of Mumbaikars use) is going to have disastrous consequences," she wrote. 'Mangroves are the shield between us and a deluge, flash flood or tsunami-like events. We need the mangroves." The proposal to chop 31 hectares of mature mangroves for the Coastal Road (which only a minuscule percentage of Mumbaikars use), is going to have disastrous consequences. Mangroves are the shield between us and a deluge, flash flood or tsunami-like events. We need the mangroves.… — RichaChadha (@RichaChadha) July 10, 2025 Her message didn't stop there. Addressing the larger issues of reckless urban development, she directly called out the BMC on X (formerly Twitter), writing: 'Already so much land has been 'developed' after 'reclaiming' it from the sea, what will happen the day the Sea decides to reclaim its old coastline? If we carry on this unscientific path of massive infrastructure growth, we will all be under water." She added pointedly, 'Tag @mybmc and tell them to make life easier, not riskier. Their expertise of Mumbai roads is visible for all to see." Chadha's concerns are not unfounded. According to recent reports, the BMC received preliminary clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on June 19 to proceed with diverting mangrove land for the Versova-Bhayandar corridor. The municipal body now awaits final clearance from the Bombay High Court, with on-site construction expected to begin in August. The project aims for completion by December 2028. While the coastal road promises to dramatically cut travel time—from nearly two hours to just 15–20 minutes—it comes at a significant ecological cost. As per a Times of India report, 8.2 hectares of mangrove land, home to approximately 9,000 trees, will be permanently destroyed. An additional 68.5 hectares of mangrove cover, hosting around 36,000 trees, will face temporary impacts during construction. The Versova-to-Bhayandar stretch falls under BMC's jurisdiction, while the Bandra-to-Versova leg is being developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The entire 60-kilometre corridor will feature tunnels, bridges, interchanges, and elevated roads connecting key western suburbs such as Versova, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, and Mira Road. As the city races toward rapid infrastructure expansion, voices like Richa Chadha's remind us of what's at stake: not just trees or wetlands, but the delicate environmental balance that safeguards Mumbai from natural disasters. First Published: July 10, 2025, 20:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Mumbaikars want only Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai: Maha Minister
Maharashtra BJP chief and state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule slammed Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying that Mumbaikars want only the BJP-Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai and in the upcoming BMC elections, they will seal it with their verdict. In sharp response to Thackeray's outburst against the BJP and the Mahayuti at a rally on Thursday on the occasion of the party's anniversary, Bawankule said that his speech was nothing but the "frustration of someone spewing helplessness out of fear of defeat". "When public support wanes, the shouting increases. That's exactly what he did. While claiming 'Shiv Sena hasn't ended', you've not only lost the 'Sena' yourself, but by abandoning the two pillars of 'Shiv' and 'Hindutva', Uddhavji, you've bowed at Sonia's feet. It's easy to make personal allegations against respected Modiji, Amitbhai, and Devendraji, but when these leaders were touring across the country and state, Uddhavji was delivering online speeches from Matoshree. The people of Maharashtra have seen this,' said Bawankule. 'Those who say 'Mumbai is ours' should first explain what they've done for the Marathi people in Mumbai. Even when in power at the municipal corporation, did they do anything for the slums, water schemes, education, or healthcare?' the minister asked, referring to Thackeray-led Shiv Sena's inaction during its over two-decade rule in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation. 'Mumbaikars know that the Coastal Road, Metro, Cluster Redevelopment, and Slum Rehabilitation schemes happened because of Devendraji's initiatives. Keep shouting that Mumbai is yours, but if development, safety, and dignity are desired, Mumbaikars want only the BJP-Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai,' he claimed. He took a dig at Thackeray, saying, 'Uddhavji, keep spewing venom like this, keep mocking and taunting. Your future life will be spent in this. Public service and welfare require passion in the heart, which you lack. The people of Maharashtra have already realised this. Now, in the upcoming elections, the public will seal it with their verdict.' Thackeray in his speech on Thursday targeted the BJP and alleged that it was trying to prevent the Marathi Manoos from coming together in Mumbai. He accused the BJP of imposing Hindi in schools for Classes 1 to 5. He also took a swipe at the prime minister, saying the "country needs a prime minister, and Modi was just the BJP's PM".
