Trees above 10 feet should be planted: State

Mumbai: The state government in its affidavit filed before the Bombay high court in the petition against the metro car shed in Aarey Colony stated that Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has to abide by the conditions like trees above 10 feet high of native variety should be planted and the plantation be undertaken by professional agencies only. The court was giving final judgment on petitions challenging the notifications of  changing the land use of 33 hectares of plot in Aarey Colony from ‘No Development Zone’ to ‘metro car depot zone’.

The court mandated that as per the conditions laid down by the state government, to mitigate the environmental impact to Aarey Colony, necessary measures should be taken. The ground water recharging arrangements should be provided in the depot and plantation of trees should be carried out as per recommendation of the expert committee. Annual audit of plantation should be carried out by the third party and reports posted on the company’s website and MMRC to maintain these trees for five years.

Total 33 hectares of land shall be used only for metro car depot and commercial user shall not be permitted. The affidavit also mentioned that before development of the land for the purpose of car shed, MMRCL shall obtain necessary permissions from concerned department as required under all other prevailing laws. The character of overall construction shall be such that the underground water table shall not get disturbed. The court in its order made it clear that in case of any violations, state and BMC can take action against the MMRCL.