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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has obtained approval to cut 320 trees and transplant 386 for a new infrastructure project along the Vikhroli-Ghatkopar stretch. As compensation, 4,175 new trees will be planted in the area, focusing on native and pollution-resistant species. The project also aims to retain 949 existing trees and preserve 127 Pink Trumpet trees. While MMRDA highlights careful planning and scientific transplantation methods, local residents and environmental groups remain concerned about the ecological impact of cutting mature trees and whether compensatory planting can match their environmental benefits.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received approval from the Tree Authority to cut 320 trees and transplant 386 others for an ongoing infrastructure project along the Vikhroli-Ghatkopar corridor. To offset the environmental impact, the authority has planned to plant 4,175 new trees in and around the project area. These will include native species and trees resistant to pollution, aiming to maintain urban greenery and biodiversity. Advertisement
Efforts were made during the planning stage to reduce tree loss. The project layout was realigned to save 127 Pink Trumpet trees, known for their seasonal pink blossoms, and 949 other existing trees will remain undisturbed. The transplantation process will use scientific methods, such as careful root-ball preservation, soil stabilization, and monitoring after planting to ensure the transplanted trees survive.
Despite these measures, local residents and environmentalists have expressed concerns about the project. Residents from Vikhroli and Ghatkopar have urged the authorities to explore further realignments to save more mature trees, emphasizing that older trees cannot be replaced immediately by saplings. Environmental groups have questioned whether compensatory plantations can truly replicate the ecological benefits provided by fully grown trees, including shade, air purification, and supporting local wildlife.
MMRDA officials maintain that infrastructure development and environmental protection can coexist. They stress that compensatory planting and careful transplantation are part of a broader strategy to balance urban development with greenery conservation. Previous projects in Mumbai have faced similar debates, where large-scale urban infrastructure projects required tree felling, often leading to the adoption of stricter environmental oversight and compensatory plantation norms.
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