In response to a detailed investigative report by The Indian Express shedding light on the rapid depletion of Mumbai’s urban green cover, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken proactive measures, initiating suo motu cognizance of the matter.
The report, titled ‘Mumbai lost over 21,000 trees in 6 years to make way for Metro, road projects,’ underscores the alarming rate at which trees are being felled to accommodate various development projects across the city. The NGT’s decision, spearheaded by a quorum of Justices Prakash Shrivastava, Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Afroz Ahmad, comes in the wake of significant concerns raised regarding environmental compliance in the face of burgeoning infrastructure initiatives. Notably, the tribunal has issued notices to key stakeholders, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), and officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), among others.
The report highlights the startling revelation that Mumbai witnessed the loss of over 21,000 trees over a span of six years, as per data provided by the BMC under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. These trees were predominantly cleared to pave the way for critical projects such as the Metro, Bullet Train, coastal road, Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and Goregaon-Mulund link road, raising significant questions regarding environmental sustainability and regulatory oversight. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the NGT emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive responses from concerned authorities, granting a three-week window for the CPCB, MPCB, and BMC Commissioner to file their replies. Additionally, the tribunal has transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench in Pune for further deliberation, slated for May 28. This proactive stance by the NGT underscores the critical importance of environmental conservation and adherence to regulatory frameworks in the face of rapid urban development. As Mumbai grapples with the repercussions of extensive tree loss, this development serves as a clarion call for robust measures to safeguard the city’s ecological balance and preserve its green heritage for future generations.
