Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is under fire from environmentalists as their efforts to restore greenery in the city show signs of faltering. Trees planted on a traffic island opposite Eros Cinema at Churchgate appear to be struggling for survival. A recent visit revealed that out of the 29 trees planted, three were visibly withered. The trees, part of an in-situ plantation programme initiated in April 2021, were intended to replace those felled during metro construction. Information cards tied to their branches indicate species and planting dates, yet their condition raises concerns about the efficacy of the restoration efforts.
An environmentalist remarked, “The consistent failure of the MMRC to restore the green cover they destroyed continues. Citizens’ intense follow-up has exposed these failures. Naturally grown trees are extremely difficult to replace and require huge resources and commitment. Both of these are missing from MMRC, which continues to engage in tokenism. The funds, water supply resources, and manpower needed for five years for each tree to be restored should be recovered from MMRC upfront, and the task given to NGOs willing to take on the responsibility.”
A green activist added, “When planting new trees, some will inevitably die. Planting and nurturing new trees are not as easy as cutting them. We hope MMRC will nurture all and replenish those that have died.” In a commitment to the Bombay High Court, MMRC had pledged to plant approximately 2,600 trees at Metro stations and surrounding areas along Line 3. According to a press release, more than 500 trees have been planted near 13 Metro station work sites, including SEEPZ, MIDC, Shitladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, and Cuffe Parade.
The tree species selected for this initiative include flowering, ornamental, and evergreen varieties aged seven years and possessing a general height of 15 feet. Species used in the in-situ plantation drive encompass mahogany, bakul, peepal, sonchafa, jacaranda, taman, kadamb, deshi-badam, akash-neem, spathodea, tabebuia, umbrella, saptaparni, pangara, jangli badam, and chafa.
The MMRC awarded three contracts for in-situ tree plantation, requiring the selected agencies to supply, plant, and maintain advanced-sized trees. Despite these efforts, environmentalists argue that the execution and maintenance of these plantations are inadequate. An official from the planning and real estate development department of MMRC reiterated the organisation’s commitment to completing the in-situ plantation of trees. “We will also be issuing a public appeal inviting various entities, government and private establishments, cooperative housing societies, etc., to accept the plantation of a minimum of 10 trees on their premises,” he stated.
As MMRC pushes forward with its greening efforts, the scrutiny from environmental groups highlights the ongoing challenges in urban reforestation and the necessity for sustained commitment and resources.
