MMRCL says temporary tunnel needed near Eros Cinema, Churchgate, to complete work on time.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation’s (MMRCL) decision to axe eight old trees — one of them a banyan at least 150 years old —near Eros Cinema in Churchgate in order to build a temporary shaft on the Colaba-SEEPZ Metro line has been met with criticism from activists and residents.
Metro work is in full swing on Maharshi Karve Marg and Veer Nariman Road near Eros.
MMRCL has said construction of the temporary shaft is necessary to facilitate muck removal from tunnels.
“The current proposal to cut more trees is contrary to the assurance given to the Hon’ble High Court by MMRCL,” Zoru Bhathena, a tree activist, said. “The MMRCL had told the court it would cut trees only when it had no choice, and replant them elsewhere, and plant new ones once the Metro is built.”
No additional tree removal proposal can be sanctioned by the BMC , as that would be in breach of its promises.
“This temporary shaft can be constructed anywhere. In fact, there is already a permanent ventilation shaft being constructed at the BEST depot Hindustan Petroleum Corporation building on Jamshedji Tata Road. Surely that same shaft can be modified for temporary use,” Bhathena said.
“This is one of the oldest boulevards in the city and it would be sad to lose these trees,” Nina Verma, a resident of Churchgate, said. “More than 50 per cent of replanted trees die. MMRCL can build the shaft somewhere else.”
“We have been fighting a long battle — for around two years,” Ashvin Nagpal, a filmmaker and photographer from Churchgate, said. “We have already lost around 60 to 70 trees. They had been there our entire lives,” said Nagpal, who has photographed all the trees in the area.
An MMRCL spokesperson said the corporation was doing its best to limit the impact of the construction work.
“This shaft is necessary to make up for time lost due to certain litigations, including the one related to the issue of trees. Timely completion of the project is important as that is in the interest of all Mumbaikars.”
source: Mumba Mirror