The burgeoning urban landscape of Mumbai has witnessed a concerning trend of tree depletion over the past six years, with more than 21,000 trees felled to make way for various developmental initiatives.
This revelation, derived from data provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under the RTI Act, sheds light on the environmental cost of the city’s rapid infrastructural expansion. The depletion of Mumbai’s green cover, exacerbated by the execution of projects such as the Metro, bullet train, coastal road, sewage treatment plant (STP), and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road, underscores the delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation. While these projects promise enhanced connectivity and civic amenities, they come at the expense of significant ecological impact.
Despite efforts to mitigate tree loss through transplantation, the survival rate of transplanted trees remains alarmingly low, raising questions about the efficacy of conservation measures. Out of the 21,916 trees transplanted between 2018 and 2023, data from only nine wards revealed a dismal survival rate of 22%, highlighting the challenges associated with preserving Mumbai’s urban greenery amidst rapid urbaniaation. Moreover, the discrepancy in tree census data further complicates the issue, with the BMC acknowledging a total of 29,75,283 trees in Mumbai based on the 2011 census. However, given the dynamic nature of urban development, there is a pressing need for updated census data to accurately assess the city’s green cover and inform conservation efforts.
A closer examination of the data underscores the direct correlation between developmental projects and tree felling in specific wards of Mumbai. Notably, areas undergoing infrastructure projects such as the bullet train tunnel in the S ward and Metro rail construction in Andheri, Juhu, Worli, and BKC have witnessed significant tree loss, emphasising the trade-off between progress and environmental preservation. As Mumbai grapples with the dual challenges of urbanisation and environmental sustainability, stakeholders must prioritise measures to mitigate tree loss and promote green infrastructure in tandem with infrastructural development. Balancing the city’s development aspirations with ecological conservation is imperative to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Mumbai’s residents.
