The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has cleared the 7.12-km Thane Coastal Road-2 project on its original alignment through the eco-sensitive zone of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, a decision that will result in the felling of 680 mangroves.

As per the minutes of the MCZMA's 202nd meeting, held on September 24, the authority recommended the proposal to the Union Environment Ministry, accepting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) submission that no alternative route was feasible to bypass the internationally recognised Ramsar site, PTI reported.