Centre Approves Reconstitution Of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority

Mumbai: In a major boost to coastal development in Maharashtra, the Central Government has issued an official notification approving the reconstitution of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). This development comes after consistent follow-up and formal representation by Maharashtra's Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development, Nitesh Rane.

The MCZMA plays a critical role in granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances to various infrastructure and development projects along the state's coastline. The authority, which had been functioning since 1998, saw its term lapse in December 2024, resulting in delays for new project approvals.

To address the issue, Minister Rane submitted a formal request to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and met with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi to advocate for the authority’s reconstitution. Responding positively, the Centre issued a government resolution on July 7, 2025, officially re-establishing the MCZMA.

With the reconstitution of MCZMA, pending environmental and fisheries-related clearances are expected to be expedited, facilitating the smooth implementation of various developmental projects and giving fresh momentum to Maharashtra’s coastal growth.

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Composition of the Reconstituted Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA):

Chairperson: Principal Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra

Members: Secretaries from Revenue, Rural Development, Urban Development, Fisheries, and Industries Departments

Member: Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (or a representative)

Member: Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell

Members: Representatives from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board

Environmental Experts: Dr. L. R. Ranganath, Dr. Milind Sardesai, Dr. Amit Bansiwal, Dr. Anish Andheria

NGO Representative: President, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

Member Secretary: A senior officer from the Environment Department at the Director level

This newly structured authority is expected to streamline the approval process for coastal projects while maintaining ecological safeguards, ultimately contributing to sustainable development along Maharashtra’s vast coastline.