Trees planted by MMRC opposite Eros Cinema hanging on for dear life

Environmentalists slam organisation, say nurturing trees not as easy as cutting them down

Trees planted on a traffic island opposite Eros Cinema at Churchgate by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) appear to be dying. On Wednesday, when mid-day visited the spot, it could be seen that of the 29 trees at the site, three were withered.

According to information cards tied to their branches, the trees were planted as a part of an in-situ plantation programme and the date of plantation mentioned is April 2021. Information such as the trees’ species was also indicated.

Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, “The consistent failure of the MMRC to restore the green cover destroyed by them continues. It is only due to the intense follow-up by citizens that these failures are being exposed. Let this be a lesson to all those who supported the tree felling by MMRCL. Naturally grown trees are extremely difficult to replace and require huge resources and commitment. Both of these are missing from MMRC, which continues to engage in tokenism. The funds, water supply resources and manpower needed for five years for each tree to be restored have to be recovered from MMRC upfront and the task is given to NGOs who are willing to take up the responsibility of protecting and nurturing the trees. MMRCL has failed miserably and the proof is there for all to see.”

Green activist Zoru Bhathena said, “When planting new trees, some will die. In fact, normally the majority die. Planting and nurturing new trees are not as easy as cutting them. We are hopeful MMRC will nurture all and replenish the ones that have died.”

Green thumb

THE MMRC had given an undertaking to the Bombay High Court that it would plant about 2,600 trees at Metro stations and the neighbouring areas along Line 3.
According to a press release, MMRC has planted more than 500 trees near 13 Metro station work sites, namely SEEPZ, MIDC, Shitladevi, Dadar, Sidhhivinayak, Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan and Cuffe Parade.

The trees selected include flowering, ornamental and evergreen species aged seven years and possessing a general height of 15 feet. The species for the in-situ plantation drive include mahogany, bakul, peepal, sonchafa, jacaranda, taman, kadamb, deshi-badam, akash-neem, spathodea, tabebuia, umbrella, saptaparni, pangara, jangli badam and chafa.

The MMRC had awarded three contracts for in-situ tree plantation. The selected agencies must supply, plant and maintain advanced-sized trees.

OfficialSpeak

R Ramana, director, planning and real estate development/NFBR, MMRC, said the organisation was committed to completing the in-situ plantation of trees. “We will also be issuing a public appeal inviting various entities, government/private establishments, cooperative housing societies, etc, to accept the plantation of a minimum of 10 trees on their premises,” he said. 

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