In a proactive move towards environmental conservation, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has unveiled plans to replace over 1,000 lost trees in Aarey Colony as part of its Metro-3 underground corridor project.
With a focus on in-situ compensatory planting, MMRCL aims to replenish the green cover and restore ecological balance in the region. The decision to undertake the planting of 1,137 trees comes in response to the loss of trees that failed to survive transplantation or compensatory planting efforts during the course of Metro-3 construction activities. Since the inception of the project, MMRCL has been committed to minimising the environmental impact and ensuring sustainable development practices. Having removed approximately 2,800 trees from station sites and 2,141 trees from the depot construction site, MMRCL has been actively engaged in transplanting efforts and compensatory plantation drives. As of February 2024, a total of 1,643 trees have been successfully transplanted, while 23,523 new trees have been planted across various locations within BMC’s jurisdiction, including Aarey Colony and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
The forthcoming plantation of 1,137 trees in Aarey Colony aims to augment the green cover and contribute to carbon sequestration efforts. MMRCL estimates that the tree plantation initiatives, once completed, will help sequester approximately 5,500 tonnes of CO2 annually and produce 12,400 tonnes of oxygen. Furthermore, the reduction in vehicle usage resulting from the Metro-3 line is projected to curb carbon emissions by 9.9 million kilograms. In addition to Aarey and SGNP, MMRCL has collaborated with the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra to implement the Miyawaki method for compensatory plantation in Goregaon West. This initiative involves planting 9,000 indigenous species across 3,000 square metres of land, contributing to biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration. Through strategic tree plantation drives and sustainable practices, MMRCL reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores the importance of green infrastructure in fostering resilient and eco-friendly urban development.
