Mumbai’s Tree Authority has cleared proposals involving the felling and transplantation of 1,080 trees to facilitate several major infrastructure and redevelopment projects being undertaken across the city by agencies including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), and redevelopment authorities in Bandra.
A significant portion of the approvals relates to MMRDA’s planned elevated corridor connecting Chedda Nagar in Ghatkopar with Anand Nagar in Thane. The project is aimed at improving traffic flow and strengthening connectivity along the Eastern Express Highway corridor. Surveys conducted along the proposed alignment identified 1,331 trees, of which 621 were found to be directly impacted. Under the approved plan, 218 trees will be cut down, while 403 will be relocated through transplantation. Permission for the proposal was sought after detailed site inspections and assessments.
Another proposal approved by the authority pertains to MHADA’s redevelopment of Motilal Nagar in Goregaon, one of Mumbai’s largest housing renewal projects. Surveys carried out by the civic garden department between late 2025 and early 2026 identified 1,761 trees within the project area. Of these, 220 trees were found to be affected by the redevelopment plans. The authority has permitted the removal of 89 trees and the transplantation of 131 others.
The Tree Authority also approved a separate proposal concerning 239 trees impacted by redevelopment activity in Bandra. Collectively, the three projects account for the removal or relocation of 1,080 trees in Mumbai’s suburban region.
The proposals were examined following site inspections and presentations by the implementing agencies outlining project requirements and proposed mitigation measures. During deliberations, some members of the authority raised concerns regarding the scale of tree removal, particularly for the elevated corridor project, and sought clarification on transplantation plans and the management of timber generated from affected trees.
Following detailed discussions, the proposals received approval, allowing the agencies to move ahead with subsequent phases of construction and redevelopment. Civic officials stated that transplantation measures have been incorporated wherever feasible to balance project execution with environmental considerations.
Source: Prop News Time
