Proposal to chop 254 trees to make way for metro kept on hold

The rift between the BJP and Shiv Sena once again came to the fore over a proposal to cut down 254 trees for the implementation of the Metro 3 project.

While the Sena is opposed to the proposal of axing 254 trees in Aarey Colony area for the project, the BJP stuck to its motto of development. During the tree authority meeting on Monday, the proposal to cut the trees was kept on hold.

A carshed will be constructed at Aarey Colony for the Colaba to Santacruz route of the metro. Since the trees are coming in the way, a proposal was placed before the BMC's tree authority to cut them down. There is also a proposal to plant 2,044 trees.

Leader of house in BMC, Trishna Vishwasrao, asked MMRDA to submit a presentation in this regard. The civic administration will also do a site inspection of the area. A BJP leader, however, said the project is crucial to the city's development.

MNS corporator Dilip Lande alleged that trees are already being cut in that area without permission. He also demanded that the BMC probe the matter.