International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
An Environmental Impact Assessment of the "Third Mumbai" Initiative and MMRDA Expansion in Pen Taluka Pranav K. Mhatre1 1 Masters of Engineering in Civil Engineering, University of Mumbai,
At- Dhaulpada, Po- Amtem, Tal- Pen, Dist- Raigad, 402106 ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) begins
spate of aggressive conversions in terms of land use with projects like the Virar-Alibag Multi-modal Corridor (VMMC).
its eastward push into Pen Taluka to develop its “Third Mumbai” (Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town). In this paper, ecological feasibility for superimposing dense urbanization on this vulnerable flood-prone coast, having highly mineralized aquifers and estuarine tides of Pen-Taluka Region, has been assessed. In this “Proxy Project Assessment,” notifications (2024-2025) for Pen-Taluka regions, combined with various data from industrial projects of neighboring regions (JSW Steel and Cementation Adani), form this investigation.
Nevertheless, such a process of urbanization is set on a collision course with the biophysical context of the region at large. The region of Pen Talaka, for instance, is not a tabula rasa but a complex hydrological region with a high concentration of saline aquifers, so-called Kharlands, and the active floodplain of the river Amba. The land-use intervention of linear transportation infrastructure and high-density foundations on top of such a fragile, closed estuary has systemic risks, such as hydrological obstruction or the "Artificial Dam" effect and, more importantly, the irreversible salinization of groundwater there. This research will critically evaluate the environmental carrying capacity of the region at large with regard to such developments to demonstrate the "Land Use Conflict" that exists within the Third Mumbai vision process with regard to the threats of mere flooding or resource depletion, respectively.
The results reveal a critical Over-allocation of the region's environment beyond its capacity. This Virar-Alibag Multimodal Corridor Project will thus act as an "Artificial Dam" and will disconnect the natural East-West drainage system of the Western Ghats Range. At the same time, the diversion of the Amba River's main water entitlement of 126 MLD to heavy industry will cause a short-term deficit of potable water for this emerging mega-city. In addition to this, the cumulative dredging activities by industries to extract more than 6 million cubic meters of sediment per annum will weaken the estuary's natural flood protection system. This research work will thus conclude by stating that if the saline "Kharlands" are developed without their own independent water supplies and without implementing their "No-Build" buffer zone around the riverbanks, this will cause regular floods and make the groundwaters saline around this megacity.
2. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK The shift of Pen Taluka from an agricultural buffer zone to a strategic urban point is integrated with the systematic development pattern of land usage policy. In the past, the 1996-2011 Regional Plan had designated the area a “Rest of the Region” (RoR) region, which safeguarded the intertidal Kharlands areas into Green Zones (G1/G2) in order to retain the balance between the natural environment and the region. Nonetheless, the approved Regional Plan (2016-2036) triggered a shift in the approach, adding ‘Growth Centers’ while overlaying ‘Industrial Zones’ on agricultural zones.
Key Words: Third Mumbai, Environmental Impact Assessment, Pen Taluka, KSC New Town, MMRDA, Amba River, Hydrological Disruption, Carrying Capacity, Salinity Ingress.
1.INTRODUCTION
The Maharashtra Government Notification of 2019 made this transition official and assigned the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) the role of Special Planning Authority for the entire taluka area, overriding local planning powers in municipalities. Since then, legislative actions have made this "Dual-front" approach to urbanization even stronger in reality. The Notification of October 2024 marked nine coastal villages to be incorporated into the Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town and assigned an upgraded role to MMRDA to become
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is witnessing a paradigm shift with its strategic move to the east with the opening of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). This project revolves around the construction of the KarnalaSai-Chirner (KSC) New Town, commonly referred to as "Third Mumbai," which redefines the Pen Taluka ecological hinterland into a dense urban artery. What began as a "Rest of the Region" RoR Green Buffer has now turned against itself with Pen being the epicentre for a
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