In another attempt to save the trees that could fall victim to the Metro III project, environmental activists now intend to appeal to Japanese authorities funding the project
While environmental activists continue to fight a losing battle in their efforts to save nearly 2,300 trees in Aarey Colony that could be felled to make way for the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ (CBS) Metro Line III, they may just have another card up their sleeve.
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Pic for representation
The Save Aarey Milk Colony community and environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal have now decided to appeal directly to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is partly funding the CBS Metro.
No traction
From the time the Metro III project was proposed along with its 30-hectare car depot in Aarey Colony the Save AMC group has presented staunch opposition to the plans, citing its environmental cost.
However, their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears so far, with the group meeting its latest defeat on December 4, when the members met MMRDA commissioner UPS Madan to discuss the issue.
The group suggested that the car depot for the Metro should be shifted to open land at Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) instead. The group proposed two different points that could be used for the car shed, which could then accordingly be connected to either Mahalaxmi or CST through underground tunnels.
However, their suggestions did not find any traction. “Our officials explained that shifting the car depot is not possible at present, as construction has already begun at Aarey. Shifting the car depot to MbPT will require various permissions and approvals, which could take months, or even years.
We don’t want Line III to get delayed, and, so, we have requested the group to think practically from all angles,” said an MMRDA official.
‘Where there is a will...’
The group has already written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and undaunted, now intend to write to JICA as well, putting forward their arguments. “We are not against development, but it should not happen at the cost of the environment. Our only request is to shift the Metro III car depot to MbPT, where land is already available.
With the BJP in power in the state and at the Centre, this is possible, and if there is a will to do so, the process of getting permissions and approvals won’t require much time either,” said environmentalist Aggarwal, further adding, “We are also going to write to JICA, which is funding the Metro III project, and we will point out to them that they should also ask MMRDA to shift the car depot.”
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