Image of tree cover loss doing the rounds

An aerial shot of tree cover that has been lost due to metro work in Cuffe Parade area is doing the rounds among citizens groups, and residents are shocked at the loss of tree cover.

The cutting of trees had received severe criticism from environmental groups, some of which had even filed a petition in court. "The pictures have been doing the rounds in some groups for the past few days," said Padmakar Nandekar, secretary general of the Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA). The picture that is circulating is of the road opposite Taj President Hotel.

In one group, residents commented that it was "disgusting" to see the loss of trees, while some called it a "eco-disaster". Some even said that all developmental changes seem to originate in a "businessman's mind". The picture was also discussed among Colaba residents.

Some of the members of Cuffe Parade Residents group say that they have also taken up the issue and were promised by authorities that the tree cover would be doubled once the project is over.

"I received the picture in one group and forwarded it to another. Basically, what has happened is a disaster. Not a single tree has been planted and so many trees have already gone. We see development, but at the same time the environment also needs to be protected. Even at Churchgate they have done the same thing. For the purpose of development they will even displace people. And that is what we fear as residents living on Bombay Port Trust land," said Pervez Cooper, resident of Colaba.

"Since it was had been circulating for the past few days, in our last meeting we asked the contractors about it and were assured that more trees will be planted once the work is complete," said Nandekar.