MMRDA Faces Backlash Over Cutting 10,000 Trees

MMRDA Faces Backlash Over Cutting 10,000 Trees

The number of trees set to be felled is more than four times the amount removed for the Metro 3 car depot at Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon, a decision that itself had sparked a fierce environmental debate. The new proposal to cut down 9,900 trees is being seen by many as an ecological disaster, particularly in light of the rapidly increasing threat of climate change, urban heat islands, and rising temperatures across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).On March 12, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) issued a public notice inviting suggestions and objections from citizens about the deforestation proposal. The notice, published in Marathi, states that the trees are “an obstruction” to the construction of the car depot. The deadline for submitting objections was set for March 19, giving locals just a week to voice their concerns.Environmentalists have expressed frustration with the process, claiming that it is a mere formality designed to push through a decision without adequate transparency or consideration of alternative solutions.
“The government’s approach seems to be the same as it was with Aarey,” said a local environmental expert, adding that authorities appear determined to proceed with the plan regardless of public opposition. This sentiment was echoed by numerous critics who argue that the plan will only further degrade Mumbai’s already fragile green spaces.

The proposal has also sparked concerns about the lack of crucial details in the public notice. Critics point out that there has been no clear indication of the site plan, the exact position of the trees to be felled, or the environmental impact assessment of the plan. More importantly, the notice fails to mention compensatory afforestation measures, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to replacing the trees that will be lost.One local resident raised concerns over the lack of detailed information about the trees being cut down, including their age, the biodiversity of the area, and the compensatory plantation plans. “Usually, such notices are uploaded on the civic body’s website, but in this case, it hasn’t been done,” the resident pointed out. “It seems like a deliberate attempt to conceal vital information from the public. And a seven-day notice period is far too short for a project of this scale.”As the deadline for submitting objections approached, the MBMC had received just 68 communications from citizens, highlighting the limited time for public response and the concern that their voices might be ignored. A deputy municipal commissioner from MBMC confirmed that a public hearing would soon be scheduled, although the date and venue were yet to be announced.

The MMRDA, which is behind the Metro 9 project, has yet to address questions about compensatory afforestation plans or the long-term environmental impact of the project. Despite the ongoing protests, the project is moving forward, with little indication that alternative, less destructive measures will be explored.This proposal comes at a time when environmental concerns are at the forefront of public discourse, particularly regarding the rapid deforestation across urban areas. The controversy surrounding the Metro 9 car depot in Uttan raises important questions about the balance between urban development and the preservation of green spaces. Environmentalists argue that while infrastructure development is crucial for a growing city like Mumbai, it cannot come at the cost of its natural environment.

The outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future urban planning projects in the city. The environmental community, along with concerned citizens, continues to press for transparency, accountability, and sustainable alternatives. In the face of such large-scale deforestation, many are questioning whether Mumbai’s green cover is being sacrificed for the sake of short-term progress at the expense of long-term ecological health.