June 23, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Tree Authority has submitted an application to the Supreme Court seeking approval to remove 1,134 trees in Mumbai’s Film City area. The request is tied to the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing east-west connectivity across the city.
This move follows a January directive from the apex court, which prohibits tree felling in the Aarey region without its explicit approval. In its submission, the Tree Authority clarified that the affected trees are located within Aarey village but not within the Aarey Milk Colony—the area subject to stricter environmental protection. A letter from the Aarey Colony CEO supports this distinction, stating the proposed tunnel route does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Aarey Dairy Development Department.
The GMLR project involves the construction of 6.2-kilometre twin tunnels forming a critical part of the 5.3-kilometre stretch between Film City in Goregaon and Khindipada in Mulund. Once complete, the route is expected to significantly cut travel time between the eastern and western suburbs—by nearly an hour.
The Tree Authority emphasised that, while the tunnel design helps preserve surface green cover, some tree clearance is necessary for the excavation pits and tunnel boring machine shafts. The need to shift one launching shaft to avoid displacing a tribal hamlet, Habalepada, has led to an additional 40 trees being affected.
Initially, the BMC has sought permission to remove 95 trees in the first phase and has requested the liberty to return to the court for additional approvals as the project progresses.
The proposal highlights the delicate balance between urban infrastructure development and environmental conservation in Mumbai’s rapidly growing landscape.
Source: Prop News Time
