July 31, 2025: The Matunga railway colonies of both Central and Western Railways are now bearing the brunt of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, led by the Adani Group. The initiative involves clearing existing railway quarters to construct transit housing for Dharavi residents and railway staff. However, this progress comes at the cost of Matunga’s extensive tree cover.
Residents of the Central Railway colony appear resigned, with little power to oppose the decision. “We cannot fight the Railways’ plans to relocate us, but we’re deeply concerned about the destruction of this green space. Thousands of trees here are decades old,” said one Central Railway employee, speaking anonymously.
The Western Railway quarters, regarded as Mumbai’s largest heritage railway colony, span a kilometre and are known for their dense tree cover and thriving birdlife. The colony reportedly houses around 2,700 trees, with nearly 1,900 being mature species such as Badam, Banyan, Coconut, Mango and Pipal. “Development is inevitable, but must it come at the expense of felling thousands of old trees?” questioned local activist Aditi Jayakar Kane.
While Central Railway residents have reluctantly accepted the redevelopment, Western colony residents remain opposed. “These trees aren’t just part of the landscape—they support birds, cool the environment, and give us cleaner air,” said a long-term resident.
Construction has already begun in parts of the Central colony, with mature trees felled and saplings planted in their place. Activists argue this is not a sufficient replacement. “It takes decades for a tree to offer what a sapling cannot in years,” said Natasha Pereira, an environmentalist.
Notices on some trees indicate upcoming felling and transplantation. In response, a spokesperson for Navbharat Mega Developers (Adani) stated that all removals follow government guidelines and that 20,000 trees will be planted elsewhere, with further afforestation planned in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Source: Mid-day
