Effect of Mega Bridge on Hydro-morphodynamics of Waterfront Facilities in Wide Estuarine Harbours- A Sustainable Development

摘要

Mumbai being traditionally the epicentre of India's commerce, the narrow stretch of land (Mumbai Island) has seen a steady increase in population despite obvious spatial constraints. Hence for easing the pressure on the island city, development of Navi Mumbai on east has been identified. However lack of easy connectivity to Navi Mumbai has stunted its growth and pressure on Mumbai's infrastructure viz. roads/bridges continues to mount. As such to cater the need of road traffic/avoid traffic jams, it is inevitable to have Mega Bridge (MTHL) connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai spanning across entire width (17 km) of wide estuarine region, wherein major ports viz. Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru exist. These ports are facing problem of increased siltation. Hence to assess effect of MTHL consisting of hundreds of piers, which may have detrimental effect on existing waterfront facilities from hydro-morphodynamic aspect, studies are essential to ensure that development is sustainable. The effect of MTHL under complex hydrodynamic condition is compared by developing mathematical model for Mumbai/JN port area. The model shows 95% and 90% agreement for water level & current respectively with the prototype. The effect of Mega Bridge, studied from hydro-morphodynamic considerations on existing waterfront facilities in Mumbai/JN port area is insignificant and may not hamper smooth functioning and as such is a sustainable development.