India, July 27 -- In a step ahead for constructing a Rs.2,395-crore bridge between the two coasts connected only by ferry and unavailable during the monsoon, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) gave its clearance for the Madh-Versova bridge late this week. The 2.06-km bridge will connect the Madh and Versova jetties, which would otherwise take a 90-minute detour drive.

The bridge now requires approval from the Bombay High Court to divert 2.7515 hectares of mangrove forest. In exchange for the diversion of the 2.75-hectare mangrove forest, the BMC has identified three hectares of land for afforestation, where it will plant three trees for each one that is sacrificed to make way for the bridge. Once HR clears, a...