India, Dec. 27 -- Citizens have launched an online petition opposing the proposed Versova-Dahisar coastal road, demanding an immediate halt to the project, a review of environmental clearances and the protection of mangroves along the city's coastline.

The petition flags the proposed cutting of nearly 45,675 mangroves and urges the state government to explore alternatives that minimise ecological damage and safeguard the city's natural flood barriers.

Activists who began the protest said the campaign has begun gaining traction, with 174 signatures collected so far. They added that the immediate target is to reach 1,000 signatures, after which the petition will be submitted to the chief minister's office.The group is also attempting to m...