The Metro 3 station which is going to be constructed on a part of the Colaba Woods, one of the oldest open spaces in the city, has alarmed Cuffe Parade residents. While residents from the housing societies are worried about the loss of greenery and peace because of the station, the residents from the slums fear the loss of an area that serves as a study centre for children, thanks to its peaceful environment.
The Metro 3 station which is going to be constructed on a part of the Colaba Woods, one of the oldest open spaces in the city, has alarmed Cuffe Parade residents. While residents from the housing societies are worried about the loss of greenery and peace because of the station, the residents from the slums fear the loss of an area that serves as a study centre for children, thanks to its peaceful environment.
The protesting locals do not oppose the construction of the station itself. Their only contention is that part of the Colaba Woods will be used for the station.
S M Jagtiani, a resident of Cuffe Parade said, "The garden is the green lung of the area, and to harm it would affect the quality of life in the area. The Backbay bus terminal has enough space to accommodate the Metro station. It is a better alternative, and it will not result in the loss of any green cover."
Brijmohan Chaturvedi, vice-president of the Cuffe Parade Residents Association, said, "Another alternative is the bus terminal near Electric House. Both these areas are government-owned and will not be disturbed by more construction. We know that development is important and we support it, but we do not want it at the cost of something that has been created and maintained over such a long period."
The residents have already written to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Authority and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) and are waiting for their response.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has said that only a part of the garden, next to World Trade Centre at Cuffe Parade, would be claimed for the project; and that 40 to 50 trees will be cut in the process.
MMRC needs a quarter of Colaba Woods garden for the construction of the underground Cuffe Parade metro station.
At the moment, the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro project is yet to get a nod from the Tree Authority, which will be taken in the near future. "This project has been approved by the Union government too, and there is no illegality involved. Mandatory clearances will be taken to initiate construction of the entire project including at Colaba," clarified Bhide.
Authorities said that once the construction is over, the damaged portion of the garden will be made green again.
"They have taken a unilateral decision without consulting the residents or taking environmental concerns into account. We are hoping to have discussions with them, which can lead to a viable solution for both parties," added Jagtiani.
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