Over 2,000 Trees Felled in Aarey Since 2022 Despite Supreme Court Ban
Despite the Supreme Court’s (SC) 2019 directive prohibiting tree felling in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony without its explicit permission, activists allege that over 2,000 trees have been illegally cut since 2022. This deforestation, allegedly to facilitate the Metro 3 car shed construction, continues to spark outrage among environmentalists, who accuse authorities of flouting legal orders and concealing the true extent of the damage.
The Save Aarey movement has been vocal about these violations, claiming the government’s official records fail to reflect the scale of deforestation in the ecologically sensitive area. Activist Zoru Bhathena stated, “In 2019, the SC imposed a stay on tree felling in Aarey. However, between 2022 and 2023, hundreds of trees were approved for felling, with no accountability for the additional 2,000 trees illegally cut. This breaches the SC’s order.” The situation intensified after Eknath Shinde assumed office as Chief Minister in 2022. Activist Sanjiv Valsan noted, “Hours after the government transitioned, hundreds of trees were felled, contradicting Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’ assurance that no further tree cutting was required for the Metro car shed.” He added that activists have documented these violations through photos, videos, and satellite images, despite government records denying any illegal activity. During an SC hearing on Friday, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) stated that no additional tree felling would be required for the Metro 3 car shed.
However, environmentalists remain sceptical, pointing out inconsistencies in government declarations. Stalin D, Director of NGO Vanashakti, questioned, “If no more trees are required, why did MMRCL float a tender to cut 4,000 trees? Over 2,000 have already been felled, yet there’s no transparency.” The activists are also concerned about other proposed projects in Aarey, such as Metro Bhawan and a slum rehabilitation scheme, which could further degrade the green cover. While the Maharashtra government recently told the Bombay High Court that the SRA project could be developed in Aarey, the SC found no such proposal on record during its Friday hearing. Activists urge the authorities to expand protections beyond the 828 acres of Aarey already designated as reserved land. The SC has restricted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Tree Authority from approving any felling proposals without its clearance. The matter will be revisited on 5th March, with activists hopeful for stronger enforcement of Aarey’s environmental safeguards.
