The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) tree authority has approved tree-related proposals for four major infrastructure and redevelopment projects across Mumbai. Under these approvals, 253 trees will be cut down, while 204 will be replanted, bringing the total number of affected trees to 457.
The largest proposal involves constructing a new clear water pumping station in Bhandup West. With a planned capacity of 2,000 million litres per day, the project will require 184 trees to be felled, while 150 trees will be replanted. Trees that do not interfere with construction activities will be preserved at the site.
Another proposal concerns the redevelopment of staff facilities at KEM Hospital in Parel. The existing building will be demolished to make way for a new staff building. Of the 196 trees in the area, permission has been granted to cut 28, while 22 will be replanted. The remaining 146 trees will be retained.
The third project involves a Central Railway workshop in Matunga linked to the construction of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla. Of the 42 trees in the project area, 29 will be felled and 13 replanted, according to the approved proposal.
The fourth proposal covers planned development near the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay. Construction in the facility’s northern section will affect 71 of the 86 trees in the area. The plan provides for cutting 12 trees and replanting 19.
Mumbai’s shrinking green cover raises concerns
The latest approvals have renewed concerns about the environmental impact of the city’s infrastructure expansion. Around 21,000 trees have reportedly been cut down in Mumbai over the past six years in the name of infrastructure and development.
The continuing loss of trees and green spaces has raised concerns about rising temperatures across the city. The reduction in vegetation highlights the need to balance urban development with tree preservation and measures to protect Mumbai’s remaining green cover.
Source: Pudhari
