Mumbai Metro 6: HC approves cutting of 34 trees

The High Court on Monday allowed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to cut down 34 trees for the construction of pillars in Kanjur village for the Metro-6 project between Swami Samarth Nagar and Vikhroli (EEH) in Andheri. While granting this permission, the court also stated that this is a public project. This court decision has paved the way for the construction of the Metro-6 project.

Underlining how important this project is in improving Mumbai's public transport infrastructure, the MMRDA had filed a petition for permission to cut down trees that would come in the way of the project. 

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne accepted the MMRDA's plea. It is a project of public importance, moreover, the authority has already obtained environmental clearances. Similarly, the court gave the green light to MMRDA to proceed with the project, clarifying that MMRDA has also deposited a certain amount as compensation for the trees to be cut.

The state government had approved this project in December 2017 with a view to reducing traffic congestion and pollution and increasing the safety of citizens. This project will enable more than 72,000 passengers to travel per hour in each direction. As a result, the pressure on road traffic will be significantly reduced, lawyer Akshay Shinde told the court on behalf of MMRDA, while seeking permission to cut down the trees.

According to the MMRDA petition, Metro-6 will reduce travel time by 40-55 minutes, reduce vehicular traffic by 35-50 percent, and prevent fatal accidents due to overcrowding on the suburban rail system. Additionally, the project will provide air-conditioned travel comfort at an affordable price. From an environmental perspective, the metro service runs on electricity. Therefore, energy consumption and pollution will be reduced compared to road-based transport systems.

The alignment of the project passes through mangrove forests and Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ-1 and 2). Therefore, 34 trees will have to be felled to construct the project pillars. Permission has been obtained from various authorities for the same. 

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However, according to a High Court ruling, if trees or mangroves need to be cut for a project, it is mandatory to obtain permission from the High Court. Therefore, the MMRDA had filed a petition in the High Court. It also claimed that while doing so, the number of trees to be cut for the project was low and care was taken to minimise environmental damage.