Despite tree culling, Aarey Colony gets 'Green Zone' title

Mumbai: In what can be called the perfect example of paradox, Aarey Colony has been marked as a new zone called the ‘Green Zone’ in Mumbai’s Development Plan (DP) 2034. But despite the huge public outcry, there is no escape from the Metro car shed project, which requires cutting of large number of trees in the area. The decision has left city environmentalists fuming.

In its recommendations, the Planning Committee of DP 2034 has changed the Aarey zone from No-Development Zone (NDZ) to a Green Zone. However, it has retained projects like the car shed, zoo and other existing build-up areas within the Aarey Colony. “The car shed was retained considering that the approval for the location is already granted by the state government. The planning authority will take a final decision on this,” said Gautam Chatterjee, a committee member.

In car shed’s case, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has sought permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut 3,891 trees along the project’s alignment. The project has been met with stiff opposition from local residents and environmentalists saying it would extensively damage the green cover of the zone.

Two planning committee members — Yashodhar Phanse and Trishna Vishwasrao from Shiv Sena – expressed their reservations regarding providing land in Aarey colony for the metro car shed. “We opposed the project because it would require cutting large number of trees. The Aarey Colony needs to be protected as it is the largest green zone in the city,” said Mr Phanse.