June 10, 2025: A plot within Mumbai’s Aarey Milk Colony, once used to transplant over 100 fully-grown trees felled for Metro construction, now bears little trace of that effort. A recent ground inspection by mid-day revealed that most of the transplanted trees have disappeared. Shockingly, the same plot is now being reused for a fresh plantation drive—raising serious concerns over accountability and the long-term success of compensatory afforestation.
Environmentalists argue that this case highlights systemic failures in Mumbai’s urban greening policies. Locals confirm that over 100 new saplings were planted here just ten days ago with permission from the Aarey CEO’s office.
Resident Kaushlendra Dubey, who witnessed the original transplantation around 2016–17, expressed dismay at the near-total disappearance of the original trees. “Hundreds of saplings are here now, but where are the old transplants?” he asked.
In 2017, mid-day had reported poor survival of trees transplanted to the same site for the Metro 2A project, with many left to die. A private contractor had even used the land for drying cattle dung.
Environmentalist Stalin D labelled compensatory afforestation “a farce,” citing the lack of aftercare and genuine oversight. He called for project proponents to deposit Rs 1 lakh per felled tree for its upkeep, monitored by an independent body. Activist Zoru Bhathena criticised the so-called transplantations as “tree destruction in disguise”.
Under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, the BMC’s Tree Authority is meant to oversee all transplants. However, experts like ecologist Priyanka Jundare highlight poor soil compatibility, transplant shock, and lack of aftercare as key reasons for tree mortality.
As calls for stricter regulation mount, this case serves as a stark reminder that tree preservation must go beyond symbolic gestures to truly protect Mumbai’s green lungs.
Source: Mid-day
