Notification Issued for Restructuring of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority Environment – Pankaja Munde

Mumbai : The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Central Government has announced the restructuring of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) through an official notification.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde had persistently followed up with the Central Government to ensure timely approvals for various development projects in the state that fall under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines. Her efforts have now borne fruit with the restructured authority being formally notified in the Gazette on July 7, and it will remain functional for the next three years.

The MCZMA plays a critical role in granting CRZ clearances to both public and private projects across the state. The previous authority’s term ended in December 2024, after which the State Government submitted a proposal for reconstitution. Minister Munde actively coordinated with the Centre to expedite the formation of the new body.

She said the restructuring will expedite project clearances while maintaining a balance between development and environmental protection, thus contributing to the state’s sustainable growth.

The newly restructured authority includes a diverse mix of senior administrative officials, scientists, environmental experts, and NGO representatives. Headquartered in Mumbai, the authority will be chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Environment and Climate Change Department. Other members include:

• Secretaries of the Revenue, Rural Development, Urban Development, Fisheries, and Industries Departments
• The Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or a representative
• Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell
• Representatives from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
• Environmental experts such as Dr. L.R. Ranganath, Dr. Milind Sardesai, Dr. Amit Bansiwal, and Dr. Anish Andheria
• President of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
• Representatives of NGOs
• A Director-level officer from the Environment Department will serve as Member Secretary

Responsibilities of the Reconstituted MCZMA:

• Reviewing and recommending project proposals under the CRZ notification
• Ensuring conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity
• Monitoring and regulating coastal developmental activities
• Investigating and taking action against CRZ violations
• Recommending necessary amendments to the Central Government
• Promoting transparency through a dedicated website sharing all operational information
• Protecting the rights of traditional fishing communities and coastal populations

This decision not only strengthens environmental protection but also accelerates sustainable development in Maharashtra. The restructuring of the authority is seen as a significant step toward maintaining a balanced approach between conservation and progress, Minister Munde emphasized.