MMRDA can cut 216 trees for Metro-7
According to MMRDA, the trees were causing an obstacle in the construction of Metro 7 on WEH.
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday granted permission to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to fell 216 trees along the stretch between Andheri (east) and Dahisar (east) to make way for the Metro 7 line.
A division bench of chief justice Manjula Chellur and justice Nitin Jamdar was hearing a notice of motion filed by MMRDA, seeking permission to axe the trees, which were proving an obstacle in the construction of Metro 7 line on western express highway (WEH). However, according to an application filed by environmental activist Zoru Bathena in February 2016, the court in a PIL passed order that no more trees would be cut on WEH.
In the notice of motion, MMRDA explained the importance of the Metro in Mumbai and the estimated cost of the project. It also stated that MMRDA was ready to comply with all of HC and BMC’s conditions. The notice further stated that MMRDA was ready to replant trees at places identified by the BMC so as to ensure that tree cover
in Mumbai was not depleted.
Petitioner Bathena on Thursday argued that “about 1,000 trees were to be felled along the stretch in question for the Metro 7 line and authorities had failed to identify these trees. Instead, they were recklessly cutting whichever tree they felt like.”
Justice Chellur said, “If the public sits on the administration's head for everything, no work will be done. There is a specific committee to look into all tree-felling complaints. Take your apprehensions to them.”
The court directed the HC-appointed grievance redressal committee to look into Bathena’s apprehensions over felling of such trees. The court also told the petitioner that if she felt that there was any arbitrariness in the administration’s exercise of power, she could approach the court.