Maharashtra Government plans to construct coastal roads and has sought permission of the Union Environment Ministry to allow them under CRZ guidelines, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told the assembly tonight.

Replying to a debate on the budgetary demands of Housing, Urban Development, General Administration (GAD) and Marathi language departments, Chavan said he had met Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to discuss the issue.

Chavan said even though stilt roads are feasible under the revised CRZ guidelines, their construction is costly. So, instead of stilt roads, the Government wants to construct coastal roads on reclaimed land on the lines of Marine Drive in the metropolis, the Chief Minister said.

Marine Drive is a 3-km-long 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast in south Mumbai.

"I have requested him (Ramesh) to grant permission for the coastal roads under CRZ guidelines. A presentation will be made to him during his visit to Mumbai this month," he said.

Chavan said construction of mobile towers will be allowed with increased fee. Adherence to safety norms will be mandatory and mobile towers antenna will not be allowed in the direction of schools and hospitals.

"There is no scientific proof that such towers cause harm to health, but this is being done as a precaution."

Speaking about Marathi language, the CM said a committee headed by the Chief Secretary has recommended creation of 35 new posts for the Marathi language department.

Similarly, a high-level committee has been set up to prepare a language policy. Another panel has been set up to ensure how the suggestion to grant classical language status to Marathi can fit into the Centre's guidelines, he said.