Protests Erupt as BMC Okays Felling of 2,700 Trees in Aarey Forest

The Tree Authority had earlier approved the MMRC’s request to cut trees for a car shed in Aarey colony.

(Photo: PTI)

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam

Citizens in Mumbai are protesting against Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision of cutting nearly 2,700 trees in Aarey forest to make a car shed for the metro.

The Tree Authority had earlier approved the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation’s (MMRC) request to cut trees for a car shed in Aarey colony.

MMRC had promised that it will plant thrice the number of trees elsewhere in the city but residents are up in arms, claiming that the car shed will destroy natural resources and habitat.

According to Mirror Now, an expert committee panel appointed by the Bombay High Court had criticised the BMC, claiming that they were pressurised to vote in favour of felling of the trees even though they were against it.

On Saturday, 31 August, citizens’ groups held protests at four spots in Mumbai, reported The Times Of India. The protest venues were inside Aarey colony in Goregaon, Dadar, CSMT and outside the BMC headquarters.

(With inputs from Mirror Now and Times Of India)