Mira-Bhayandar: The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has raised concerns with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) over the proposed felling of 9,900 trees in the Dongri Hills area for the Metro car shed project.

The civic body has requested detailed explanations from MMRDA, including the need for 620 acres of land to plant trees as compensation for the trees felled.

According to the MMRDA proposal, 12,400 trees will be cut for the Metro car shed, which is planned on nearly 175 acres of land on Dongri’s natural hill range. However, MBMC has questioned why the car shed is being constructed on this ecologically sensitive area instead of utilizing available land near the Radhaswami Satsang and Subhash Chandra Bose Ground in Bhayandar West.

"We have requested MMRDA to clarify why they chose the ecologically significant Dongri Hills for the car shed, despite other available options. If 9,900 trees are removed, as many as one lakh trees must be planted as compensation, and that will require 620 acres of land," stated Kalpita Pimple, MBMC deputy commissioner, in a letter to MMRDA executive engineer Sachin Kothawale.

Environmentalists and local residents have strongly opposed the deforestation in Dongri, citing its vital role in maintaining the city's air quality and biodiversity. "Dongri Hills is a crucial green zone for Mira-Bhayandar. The dense forest is home to various species of birds and animals. Cutting down trees here will severely impact the environment," said a local environmental activist.

MMRDA has yet to respond to MBMC’s letter or address the rising opposition to the project.