The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), responsible for the development of Mumbai’s inaugural underground Metro line—Metro-3, also known as the Aqua Line—has recently been granted permission to remove 3,772 trees to facilitate construction.
This crucial infrastructure project stretches from Colaba to SEEPZ, passing through the Bandra Kurla Complex. Out of the total 3,772 trees authorised for removal, MMRC has so far cleared 3,093, with the remaining 679 trees preserved at their original sites. This action is part of the broader construction and urban planning efforts necessary for the Metro-3 line. In adherence to directives issued by the High Court, MMRC has initiated an extensive tree replanting programme.
As of August 14, the corporation has commenced planting 2,931 new trees, backed by a substantial investment of INR 12 crore. The replanting initiative is strategically divided into three stages to ensure effective growth and sustainability. The first stage involves nurturing the saplings in dedicated nurseries covering 2 hectares until they attain a girth of 46 cm. Following this, the mature trees are relocated from these nurseries to designated planting sites around Metro stations.
The final stage encompasses a rigorous three-year maintenance period, which includes replacing any trees that do not thrive. The contract for this extensive replanting effort, amounting to INR 12.01 crore, assigns an average cost of approximately INR 41,000 per tree. As of August 12, 2024, the MMRC has successfully planted 683 trees at various Metro-3 station sites. This replanting initiative reflects MMRC’s commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of the Metro-3 project and aligning with judicial and environmental standards.
