Residents of Thane intensified their opposition to the proposed Thane Integral Ring Metro project on September 6, forming a human chain along Pokhran Road No. 2 to voice concerns over tree cutting, traffic disruption, displacement and the project’s overall feasibility.
The demonstration, organised by citizens’ forum Thane Against Integral Ring Metro (TAIRM), was held on the second consecutive Sunday of protests. Participants included local residents, business owners, prominent citizens and environmental activists.
Protest Held Along Pokhran Road
Following a signature campaign held the previous week, protesters assembled between Swami Junction and Prashant Corner on Pokhran Road No. 2. The organisers questioned whether the proposed internal metro corridor is the most appropriate solution to Thane’s traffic problems and criticised the administration over its potential impact on established neighbourhoods.
The project, being pursued by the Thane Municipal Corporation and Maha Metro, is intended to address traffic congestion within the city. However, opponents argue that its construction could result in extensive tree felling, displacement of residents and businesses and additional congestion while the work is underway.
Environmental Concerns Dominate Protest
Environmental activists have particularly raised concerns over the proposed removal of trees. Protester and activist Rohit Joshi claimed that approval for cutting around 3,900 trees was illegal, arguing that a formal Tree Authority Committee with citizen representation had not been constituted in the six months following the municipal elections.
He warned that tree-cutting permissions could be challenged legally if the process proceeds without the required public hearings.
Activist advocate Radhika Rane also questioned the effectiveness of tree transplantation, claiming that nearly 80% of transplanted trees fail to survive. She urged the administration to first assess ridership on Metro Lines 4 and 5 after their completion before proceeding with another internal metro corridor.
Protester Meghna Jadhav similarly urged authorities to prioritise keeping Thane clean and green instead of pursuing what she described as unnecessary infrastructure.
With citizen groups continuing to threaten legal action, opposition to the Integral Ring Metro project is gaining momentum. Protesters are demanding greater public consultation, environmental scrutiny and a reassessment of the project’s necessity before construction moves forward.
Source: The Free Press Journal
