In a significant development, the Supreme Court (SC) has permitted the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) to cut down trees at Aarey forest. With this, the SC has also refused to stay the decision of the Maharashtra government to locate the metro car shed at Aarey.
Previously, a day after the Shinde-led government had taken charge, it asked Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni to submit in court that the Mumbai Metro 3 car shed will be made in Aarey Colony.
Providing a relief to metro board, the apex has pursued its application before the Tree Authority to cut down 84 trees at Aarey for the metro car shed project. Now, after the SC's green signal, 84 trees can be cut if the tree-cutting authority gives permission.
It is pertinent to note that the SC has also granted liberty to the Tree Authority to take appropriate decisions with suitable conditions.
The Metro board said that chopping down 84 trees was required for building a shunting yard adding that 95 per cent of the project is over. Responding to this, the apex court further stated that as many as 2,144 trees have already been felled. What is now sought is permission from Tree Authority for constriction of the ramp and shunting yard without which the project cannot be complete.
Moreover, the court has fixed the main pleas against the Metro project for a final hearing in February next year.
Also Read: "Save Aarey Forest": Aaditya Thackeray Protests Against Eknath Shinde Govt's Metro Car Shed Decision
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