NGT restrains MMRC after an application was filed citing the Corporation’s violation of orders to maintain a status quo in the colony
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday restrained Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) Limited from carrying out any construction work in Aarey Milk Colony till further orders.
NGO Vanashakti, which had filed a petition with the west zone bench of NGT against the proposed Metro car shed for Metro III (Colaba to SEEPZ) and demanding that Aarey Milk Colony be declared a No Development Zone, filed a miscellaneous application last week citing how MMRC had started work in Aarey near Jogeshwari Vikroli Link Road (JVLR) which was clearly in violation of the NGT orders that directed MMRC to maintain a status quo in the entire Aarey Colony.
"We are glad that the NGT immediately took note of the violation. It was on November 30 that we found out work of dumping of debris and levelling being carried out in the additional three hectare land procured by MMRC. Despite writing to the authorities there was no response and hence we decided to raise the matter in NGT," said Stalin D, Director Project, Vanashakti.
The bench of Justice Javed Rahim and expert member Dr Ajay Deshpande even questioned MMRC officials if they had taken permissions before starting work.
"MMRC maintained that they were simply levelling the land for setting up accommodation for the workers but they have been asked to stop all and any kind of work," said Stalin, adding that their fight was not against Metro in Mumbai but to stop destruction of Aarey.
Several NGO's and citizens on December 12 had gathered in large numbers at Aarey milk colony to protest against the proposed car shed urging the entire city to unite to ensure that Aarey that is one of the last remaining green lungs of the city that can be freely accessed by people be protected from mindless projects.
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