More than 800 trees, including several mature and heritage trees, are set to be felled for various infrastructure projects in Thane, including the Integrated Ring Metro, road widening, metro station entrances and other major construction works.
The affected trees include several that are between 50 and 85 years old, raising concerns over the environmental impact of removing mature trees and whether planting new saplings can adequately compensate for the loss.
For the Thane Integrated Ring Metro project, 3,212 trees are affected along the stretch between Railadevi Lake and Balkum. The Tree Authority has approved the felling of 519 trees and the transplantation of 2,693 others. However, a decision on nine heritage trees has been kept in abeyance. A summary of the Tree Authority's decisions has now been submitted to the General Body for approval.
The Ring Metro is being developed to ease traffic congestion in Thane. The project will affect several large tree species, including Banyan, Peepal, Rain Tree, Mango, Jamun, Neem, Kadamba, Cluster Fig (Umbar) and Jackfruit. Some of the affected trees are estimated to be between 60 and 75 years old.
The proposed felling has prompted questions over whether the ecological value of decades-old trees can be replaced simply by planting new saplings.
The construction of the Municipal Corporation's new administrative building will require the felling of an 85-year-old Banyan tree, a 50-year-old Peepal tree and a 55-year-old Banyan tree. The Tree Authority has granted permission to fell all three.
The approval has also raised concerns as the Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for protecting and conserving trees in the city, has itself approved the removal of three mature trees for its administrative building project.
To ensure compensatory tree plantation and maintenance, substantial security deposits will be collected from the respective project authorities.
For the Ring Metro project alone, ₹18.59 crore is to be deposited for the care and maintenance of 37,184 trees. Security deposits running into several crores of rupees have also been prescribed for other projects involving tree felling and transplantation.
To expedite infrastructure work, the Tree Authority has granted permissions for tree felling and transplantation in phases.
However, final decisions on several heritage trees have been deferred. These trees, some of which are between 50 and 80 years old, are considered environmentally significant and play an important role in maintaining the city's ecological balance.
Road widening and strengthening work in the Ovala-Majiwada area will affect 291 trees. The Tree Authority has approved the transplantation of 124 trees and the felling of 167.
Nine heritage trees have also been identified among the affected trees, with a decision on their fate yet to be finalised.
Meanwhile, construction of the main entrances to metro stations at Teen Hath Naka, RTO, Municipal Corporation Road, Cadbury Junction and Majiwada will affect 24 trees.
Permission has been granted to fell two trees and transplant 21 others. Approval has also been given to prune the branches of an 80-year-old heritage Peepal tree.
With several major infrastructure projects underway across Thane, the approvals have renewed concerns about balancing the city's development needs with the preservation of its mature and heritage trees.
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