Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today, Monday, to convince him to make an exception for Navi Mumbai in the new coastal regulation zone (CRZ) maps.

As per new norms, the new high tide line (HTL) is set to move nearly 1km inland from current sea line. Once the new CRZ maps are finalized the environmentally sensitive zones will change drastically.

Navi Mumbai planning authority Cidco is arguing that moving of the CRZ 1km inland will snatch nearly 1,240 hectares of saleable land. No developmental works can be carried out on land that will fall under CRZ maps.

As per Cidco's estimates, the move would likely lead to a loss of around Rs 35,000 crore.

Meanwhile, senior Cidco officials are also meeting PMO Principal Secretary Pulok Chatterjee to brief the present status of Navi Mumbai international airport project.

All major clearances for the much-delayed airport project are in Cidco's possession, though it is still waiting for compulsory wildlife approval.

The cost of the project was originally envisaged at Rs 4,766 crore, but various issues, including delays, have now pushed the estimated cost to Rs 14,573 crore.