5,012 trees will make way for Metro-3 project in Mumbai

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited has revealed that 5,012 trees — three times the original estimate — will be cut or transplanted for the construction of Metro III project. The latest data suggested that trees will be transplanted at three sites – Aarey Colony, near a Dargah at Mysore Colony monorail station, Mahul village, Trombay The information was made public by MMRCL after they responded to a right to information application on Wednesday, filed by Khar resident Zoru Bhathena. We all know that the success rate of transplantations is abysmal in the city and they can be considered as good as dead,” said Bhathena adding, “MMRCL has still not mentioned the trees that will be affected for metro sheds at Cuffe Parade and near World Trade Centre, south Mumbai.” MMRCL officials confirmed that 5,012 trees had been sanctioned for the project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s garden department and that the number was final number. “Five years ago, the assessment was based on MMRDA and the EIA team’s findings but now it is based on the civic body’s tree authority’s findings, which is the final and competent authority.” According to MMRCL, 19 of 26 stations will be constructed through the cut and cover method - excavating a trench in the ground and then backfilling and restoring the original roadway used to construct a tunnel and remaining seven stations will be constructed through partial cut method. However, under NATM, a very small area through open cut technique would be excavated underground, which will save as much open spaces and trees,” said R Ramana, executive director, MMRCL To be affected • 2,298 trees to be affected for car depot construction at Aarey Colony, Goregaon • 19 trees to be affected for launching shaft at Pali ground, Marol, Andheri • 49 trees for casting yard along Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road at Aarey Colony, Goregaon • Survey in progress for launching shaft and ramp at Sariput Nagar, Andheri MMRDA to tap Metro car depots to generate revenue