MMRC told not to cut 531 trees

In what could be called a positive step towards safeguarding the environment, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has directed Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation limited (MMRC) to avoid cutting 531 trees for the Metro Line 3 project. The issue was raised by environmentalists who suggested to BMC to adapt a different technique of cut and cover method, which involves minimal distraction of environment.

After the furore over cutting more than 2,000 trees in Aarey Colony for building the Metro shed and strong opposition to the same by the environmentalists and city NGOs, the BMC’s move to allow the company to cut 531 trees for the Metro Line 3 also received similar reactions from green cover volunteers.

Environmentalists, responding to the BMC’s public notices to the permission of letting the company cut 531 trees in K/East ward pointed out the discrepancies of the plan submitted by MMRCL. The company had apparently mentioned in its presentation to the BMC officials that they would adapt to a new technique while doing construction, which will safeguard the trees and will pose least harm to the environment.

“We had sent a letter to BMC and MMRCL officials to point out that MMRCL mentioned the Cut and Cover technique while doing construction. The new technique was to ensure that there will be minimal destruction of green cover. However we were shocked to see that the company has asked permission to cut 531 trees in a single ward and it was granted by the BMC. It was a positive move that officials realised the error and asked MMRCL to adapt to the technique,” said Godfrey Pimenta from Watchdog Foundation.

Responding to their complaint, the BMC officials said they have directed the MMRC to take necessary steps regarding utilisation of such technology for construction of Metro stations of Metro Line. “Take the steps by which there would not be any need for removal of the said trees,” said the letter sent by BMC officials.