The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is examining whether a proposed road through the Pramod Mahajan Urban Forest in Powai can be shifted to an adjoining private plot following strong opposition from local residents.
The civic body has directed its Development Plan (DP) department to assess whether the planned 13.40-metre-wide road can be rerouted. The move follows objections that the existing alignment could affect around 122 trees within the forest.
More than 3,000 residents have submitted objections to the project, while around 35 housing societies in Hiranandani Gardens have also approached the BMC seeking a review of the proposed alignment.
Alternative Route Under Review
The proposed road has been part of Mumbai’s Development Plan since 2018. Around eight metres of the alignment would pass through the six-acre Pramod Mahajan Garden, while the remaining portion is proposed on an adjoining private plot owned by Supreme Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, which is developing a commercial Global Capability Centre.
Following earlier reports about the residents’ campaign, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne inspected the site and later directed the DP department to examine an alternative alignment.
“We have asked the DP department to study whether the road can instead come up on the adjacent plot, rather than through the forest and after doing a feasibility study they will get back. The civic body is very sensitive about such a proposal and we will make sure every tree is protected,” Dhakne told HT.
122 Trees Along Proposed Alignment
The Pramod Mahajan Garden is spread across six acres and has around 15,000 trees representing 105 species, including Indian oak, mahogany, flame of the forest and baobab. The green space also supports a variety of bird species.
Preliminary information indicates that 122 trees fall within the proposed road corridor, prompting residents to press for an alternate route.
A senior civic official said the road was originally planned partly in connection with a reservation for around 4,000 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and was also expected to support traffic generated by high-density development in the locality.
“If the adjoining plot owner is willing to give the land, and it is technically feasible, shifting the road there would be much easier,” the official added.
Developer Open to Road Realignment
The owner of the neighbouring plot has indicated that he is willing to make land available for the road.
Vikram Singh, managing director of Supreme Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, said he had proposed a similar alternative to the BMC in 2017 but did not receive a response.
“This is a very welcome move. I am willing to give up my plan to save the trees, but I expect direct connectivity towards Andheri and LBS Road for the traffic that the commercial development will generate,” he said.
Residents campaigning against the current alignment have also welcomed the BMC’s decision to examine alternatives. Sunita Gohrani, who has been leading the campaign, said residents were encouraged that senior civic officials were considering options that could protect the existing tree cover.
The DP department’s feasibility assessment will now determine whether the road can be shifted without creating technical or connectivity constraints.
Source: Hindustan Times
