India, July 9 -- After eight months, the central government has approved the new Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). It had earlier rejected two panels that the state had suggested. There has been an immense delay in forming the new MCZMA committee, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed displeasure with the delay, said sources.

The last meeting regarding this matter was held on December 10 and 11 under the tenure of Pravin Darade, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department. Since the earlier MCZMA committee's tenure had expired, Vinita Vaid Singhal, who headed the environment department, had recommended names. However, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests informed the State Environment Depa...