Leopard habitat at risk as plan to widen SH-42 gains ground

Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) submitted plans to widen State Highway 42 to up to 60 metres from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel on Ghodbunder Road.

Over 10 hectares of Sanjay Gandhi National Park could be affected by the widening and Metro Line 10 construction.

Nearly 40 leopards were reportedly killed by speeding vehicles on the highway over the past decade.

Metro Line 10 will run parallel to Gaimukh Ghat on the widened road; underground section plan was scrapped.

MBMC lacks funds for widening and will ask MMRDA to undertake the project; forest clearance and CRZ approvals are pending.