Shot Videos 
Writes to environment minister saying Saunik Committee ignored people’s voices and simply went by Metro authorities’ words on number of trees chopped; request comes at a time when the state govt is looking for land for the carshed
Armed with a court ruling in Oct 2019, MMRCL had cleared trees in the dead of the night at the now-abandoned Metro 3 carshed site. File pic
Stressing the importance of citizens’ voices, non-profit Vanashakti has urged state environment minister Aaditya Thackeray to allow counting of trees felled at the now-abandoned Metro carshed site in Aarey Colony.
ADVERTISEMENT
The request by the NGO comes at a time when the state government has set up a new committee to look for land for the Metro 3 car depot. Vanashakti has accused an earlier committee formed for the same purpose of ignoring public opinion.
“We learn from media reports that the state govt has set up a new committee to look into the issue of relocation of the Metro car shed from Aarey to Kanjurmarg. The earlier Saunik Committee did not interact with citizens and had made a report based on the submissions of MMRCL (Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.) which were not on the correct side of the truth right from the beginning,” reads a letter by Stalin D of Vanashakti to minister Thackeray.
Stalin goes on to say, “We wish to request you to investigate the facts properly. The fact that 2,100 trees were cut by MMRCL inside the Aarey plot is completely false.” The NGO has requested the government to allow a survey by representatives of citizen groups along with mapping experts to verify ground realities.
Armed with a court ruling, MMRCL had cleared what it claimed over 2,000 trees in the dead of the night in October 2019, triggering a massive outcry by activists.
“We have already submitted before the Hon’ble Supreme court that not more than 350 trees have been lost. Some trees were cut even after the Hon’ble Supreme Court ordered a stay on cutting of trees inside Aarey. Still the number by our estimates is not more than 400.” wrote Stalin.
The activist said once they know the “exact” number of trees cut at the carshed site, it will be easy for the new committee to make a factual report. “Please allow us this liberty to participate in the process of finding a good solution to the crisis. Allowing a site visit for two days to count the trees would be a small liberty to seek,” concludes his letter.
350-400
No. of trees cut at carshed site, as per Vanashakti
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
