More Trees Have To Be Cut Down At Aarey Due To Litigation Delays: MMRCL Tells HC

More trees might have to be cut for the construction of the car depot at Aarey in Mumbai due to delays caused by litigation, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) said in Bombay High Court.

Senior Advocate Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, appearing for MMRCL, informed the Court that when the application was filed, it was for felling of 84 trees, but with the passage of time, the land saw growth of more trees, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

The advocate stated that the issue remained pending in courts for four years which also saw four monsoon seasons. "So at that time, what were saplings did not fall under the definition of trees, but they have grown naturally and have become trees. The Supreme Court order was to enable us to clean shave the land. We have not increased one inch and the intent was to allow us to work," the advocate said.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was filed by Zoru Bhathena challenging a notice issued by tree authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for removing 177 trees at Aarey.  The petitioner has challenged the notice issued by the Tree Authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) claiming it is in violation of the order of the Supreme Court of November 2022 which allowed application to fell only 84 trees. 

Scores of locals, including environmental activists, have been opposing the cutting of trees for the construction of the car shed of the metro station. They are demanding the relocation of the bus depot, which is a part of the Metro III project.