October 25, 2025: An environmental activist has issued a legal notice to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) opposing the proposed felling of 706 trees along the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) for a new elevated road project.
The notice, filed by activist-advocate Sagar Devre on Friday, challenges the plan to cut trees for the 12.95 km elevated corridor between Chedda Nagar in Ghatkopar and Anand Nagar in Mulund, being executed by the MMRDA. This project extends the existing Eastern Freeway, which connects Mazgaon in South Mumbai to Chedda Nagar over 16.8 km. Another elevated stretch of 8.24 km from Anand Nagar to Saket, Thane, is also proposed.
Devre’s notice argues that the plan violates the precautionary principle and the citizens’ right to a healthy environment. “It is not clear from the public domain that all possible alternatives to minimise tree loss were genuinely explored. The project appears to be pursuing the most convenient route rather than the most sustainable one,” the notice states.
Highlighting Mumbai’s poor record in tree transplantation—with survival rates reportedly as low as 20%—Devre also criticised the public consultation process as “rushed and non-transparent,” citing similar past experiences in city infrastructure projects.
The MMRDA, however, maintains that efforts have been made to reduce the project’s environmental impact. “The project has been redesigned to preserve as many trees as possible, especially the Pink Trumpet trees, which are an integral part of the area’s landscape,” said an MMRDA official.
According to the agency, 4,175 trees will be planted as compensation, 949 retained, and 386 transplanted.
Residents from Vikhroli to Mulund have also voiced objections, urging authorities to reconsider the design and protect the Pink Trumpet-lined stretch that defines the Eastern Express Highway’s green corridor.
Source: Hindustan Times
