In a shock for environmentalists and nature lovers in Mumbai, the Tree Authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday, approved the proposal to cut or transplant over 2,702 trees to construct Metro car shed for Metro 3 in the leafy Aarey Colony area.
The proposal to chop down or transplant 2,702 trees received a nod during a meeting which was headed by municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi. The proposal was passed amidst opposition from members of Shiv Sena.
Also Read: Citizens To Protest With A Human Chain At Aarey Forest To Oppose The Cutting Of Trees
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Manoj Kotak, who is also the group leader in the civic house, backed the proposal and said that Metro will not only save fuel but also contribute positively towards conservation of environment.
However, Shiv Sena youth wing leader Aaditya Thackeray said that he supports the Metro project but alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been "misled" on the issue.