The redevelopment of the MHADA colony at Motilal Nagar in Goregaon (West), being undertaken under the Cluster Development Project, will affect 220 trees within the project area. However, authorities have proposed extensive compensatory plantation measures, including the planting of more than 4,000 new trees.
The large-scale redevelopment project is being executed through a developer appointed by MHADA. As part of the process, M/s Shilp Associates Architect, representing the developer, has submitted a proposal to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seeking permission for the removal and transplantation of trees impacted by construction activities.
According to the proposal, the project site currently contains 1,761 trees. Of these, 220 trees are expected to be affected by redevelopment works. The plan includes the felling of 89 trees, while 131 trees will be transplanted to suitable locations.
To offset the environmental impact, the developer has committed to planting 4,006 new trees across an area measuring 36,035 square metres. The plantation drive will be carried out using traditional afforestation methods as well as the Miyawaki technique, which is known for creating dense urban forests in a shorter period. The proposal further states that the new plantations will consist of native tree species to support local biodiversity and ecological balance.
As part of its environmental commitment, the developer has submitted a guarantee letter confirming that both the transplanted trees and the compensatory plantation will be undertaken within the jurisdiction of Chahade village Gram Panchayat in Palghar taluka of Palghar district, located within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Motilal Nagar redevelopment is among Mumbai’s significant cluster redevelopment projects and is expected to transform the ageing MHADA housing colony while incorporating measures aimed at mitigating its environmental impact.
Source: Prahaar
