The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) on Monday felled trees in Aarey colony area for the work of 'Colaba - Bandra - Seepz Metro 3' route. MMRC has violated many rules while carrying out tree felling operations in the early hours of the morning amid heavy police presence.
Aarey residents and petitioners against tree felling have alleged that more trees than the permitted trees have been cut. The petitioners have also brought this matter to the notice of the Supreme Court. In this regard, the petitioners have filed an intervention petition and the hearing will be held on Friday, April 28.
The issue of Aarey carshed and felling of trees in Aarey has been controversial since the beginning. MMRC felled trees in the dark of night in 2019 following court’s permission. This time, after getting permission from the court, MMRC started tree felling in Aarey early on Monday morning. The Supreme Court allowed MMRC to cut 177 trees while imposing a fine of INR 10 lakh. According to MMRC, 124 trees were cut on Monday and the remaining trees will be replanted.
Amidst the objections of the petitioners, Aarey residents, a tight police presence was maintained during the MMRC's tree felling operations. No one was allowed to enter the project site. Also, this action was taken early in the morning.
Petitioners against felling of trees in Aarey and affected Aarey residents have objected to it. The petitioners alleged that the MMRC had cut not 124 but more trees and that too without permission. Amrita Bhattacharya informed that this matter has been brought to the notice of the Supreme Court. Under the 2019 petition against tree felling, Bhattacharya and Budhiya Bhoye, a resident of Aarey, have filed an intervention petition. It will be heard on Friday.
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