The Maharashtra government has approved a policy allowing trees removed for infrastructure projects in Mumbai to be replanted elsewhere within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), addressing the city’s acute shortage of open green space. The move aims to balance urban development needs with ecological sustainability, providing a structured framework for tree conservation beyond the city limits.
Under current regulations, trees felled for construction must be replanted within the same city, often proving challenging given Mumbai’s dense urban landscape. The new directive permits project authorities, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other government agencies, to identify suitable alternative lands across MMR for replantation. Prior consent from landowners remains mandatory, ensuring accountability and legal compliance. The policy follows a Supreme Court interim order issued in October 2025, after the BMC sought permission to remove trees obstructing ongoing public infrastructure projects. The court asked the state to establish a clear mechanism for compensatory tree planting, balancing environmental protection with essential city development. The state’s revenue and forest departments subsequently submitted revised rules to the court.
Officials emphasised that the initiative ensures ecological safeguards while allowing vital urban infrastructure to progress. “Alternative plantations will be closely monitored, and local species must be used to preserve biodiversity and habitat integrity,” said a senior government official. Seedlings should be at least 12 feet in height, and the responsible tree authority must ensure their survival for seven years. Any losses during this period must be compensated by new plantings, guaranteeing long-term sustainability. The directive also instructs local bodies to create a land bank of suitable soils and areas for tree transplantation. These can include recreational zones and natural biomes such as grasslands, which are selected to support ecological diversity while accommodating urban expansion. The approach reflects a growing trend in Indian cities to integrate urban planning with environmental stewardship, promoting a resilient and inclusive urban ecosystem.
Experts note that such measures are critical as Mumbai continues to expand its transport, housing, and public utility networks. By enabling tree replantation in nearby regions, the city mitigates the ecological impact of necessary infrastructure development while enhancing green cover across MMR. The framework also sets a precedent for other dense metropolitan areas facing similar spatial constraints, offering a replicable model for sustainable urban growth. Overall, the policy balances development imperatives with ecological responsibility, ensuring that Mumbai’s infrastructural progress does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Long-term monitoring and strict adherence to native species planting will determine the initiative’s success in achieving a greener, more sustainable metropolitan region.
Mumbai Allows Trees Cut For Infrastructure Projects To Be Replanted Regionwide
