Mumbai-Nashik highway: More trees to be cut for flyover

The vacation bench of the Bombay high court refused to give any interim relief to residents of Ghodbunder road in Thane, who have challenged the construction of a flyover connecting to the Mumbai-Nashik highway.

Justice KK Tated, observing that there was no urgency to hear the petition adjourned the hearing after vacation.

The petition filed by members of several societies housed on the Ghodbunder road, including Rutu Park apex body, claim in their petition that the authorities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Maharashtra State Road Corporation (MSRDC) without taking suggestion or objections, from citizens have started the construction of the proposed flyover.

Advocate VK Patil, appearing for the petitioners said, “The authorities have cut three trees along the service road and will be cutting 40 more trees which is arbitrary and against the law.” The petition states that traffic would be a major issue on the Ghodbunder road after the flyover is built and during the work in progress. Further there will be a rise in noise and air pollution, after the flyover is built, which the society members will have to bear.

The petitioners have also suggested reducing the amount of litigation against the proposed flyover in the high court, the respondents should publicise the project.