India, Aug. 11 -- Around 4.5 acres of mangrove forest in Vikhroli is likely to be axed for Tata Power's proposed 400kV switching station, which will cater to increased power demand in south Mumbai. The proposed project falls under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) IA - comprising mangroves, mangrove buffer zones and eco-sensitive areas, and CRZ II - comprising urban and developed areas; and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) will take up the proposal for axing mangroves in the project area later this month.

As per Tata Power's proposal submitted before the MCZMA, the switching station and internal road for operations and maintenance cuts across CRZ IA and CRZ II areas, as per the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan, ...