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'The credibility of these NGOs is suspect, they're peddling lies'

The Court has already says in its directions that the project proponent has already planted 20,900 trees with GPS tagging on each plant in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the survival rate is 95%

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A division bench of the Bombay High Court has considered all aspects of the case as well as the protesters' claims and has arrived at certain definitive conclusions. What is evident is that the trees uprooted here will be replanted and that in itself is a full-fledged project.

The Court has already said in its directions that the project proponent has already planted 20,900 trees with GPS tagging on each plant in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the survival rate is 95%. About seven times the number of trees felled here have been replaced by planting saplings of trees – the process commenced two years ago.

The project report demonstrates that carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 2,61,968 tonnes over ten years because of reduced dependence on motorised transport. The aforesaid carbon dioxide sequestration of over 2,600 trees for their entire lifetime calculated at 12,79,062 kg would be compensated in 3,948 fully loaded trips of Metro trains operating.

It cannot get clearer than this court observation. If a project as large as this is changed midway on the whims and fancies of some activists, it would entail losses running into thousands of crores. It would endanger any other future project because objections can be raised about any project. It would be sending out a very bad message.

Plus, what is the credibility of these NGOs? They are peddling lies and indulging in illegalities, particularly when the court has twice dismissed the contentions of those opposed to the depot. NGOs, which operate through FCRA funding, need to be probed. Their petitions and motives are suspect. They are sponsored by foreign agencies and have hidden agendas.

Most of these NGOs live flashily, travel in fancy cars and have no consideration for people who have to work every day to earn their living. Such people need to avail of the benefits of Metro rail, not NGOs.

The development agenda of the day has to be decided by the government and the project has been initiated keeping all aspects in mind. NGOs and sundry bodies cannot decide on the kind of development that is needed.

(The author is a legal expert, lawyer, researcher and political analyst)

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