Tree Authority halts axing in Aarey Colony

The Tree Authority of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put on hold the proposal to cut around 2,238 trees in Aarey Colony for Metro-3 car-shed.

The members of the committee sought a site visit next week and a complete rehabilitation plan of 27 tribal padas (small villages), believed to be affected by tree axing. Now, Tree Authority members will visit the Colony on August 20 to take the call.

Due to High Court's stay in functioning of BMC's Tree Authority which has no expert in the panel, the proposal to cut trees in Aarey Colony was put on hold since last one year. After experts like botanists were included in the panel, in the second meeting, proposal to cut 2238 trees in Aarey Colony for Metro-3 car-shed was tabled.

However, the ruling Shiv Sena opposed the proposal. Despite opposition, there is no change in plot for car shed. According a city based activist, number of trees to be cut has increased over the years.