Citizens continue protests against proposed felling of 45,000 mangrove trees in Mumbai for Coastal Road project

Around 100 citizens gathered at the Amphitheatre on Carter Road in Bandra West on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, to create peaceful public awareness in response to the proposal to fell 45,000 mangrove trees for the 26.3 km long Versova-Bhayander road, the second phase of the northward extension of the Mumbai Coastal Highway, estimated to cost over Rs 18,000 crore. west side of the city.

What was initially conceived as a human chain formation gathering along Carter Road and carrying banners and posters to raise public awareness was turned into a gathering featuring music, open speeches, public interactions and a guided mangrove awareness walk along the Carter Road shoreline, due to lack of permission from Mumbai Police.

Participants engaged with the public through informal discussions and awareness activities focused on the ecological importance of mangroves, which act as natural buffers against extreme weather events and sustain fishing communities, among the numerous eco-sensitive roles they play.

Those gathered at the protest called for increased transparency in decision-making processes behind the destruction of ecosystems, such as mangroves, and questioned the speed of implementation of this decision. Making decisions through meaningful consultation with local communities and experts was also emphasized.