Mira-Bhayandar: A large-scale citizens' movement has erupted in Mira-Bhayandar against the proposed cutting of over 12,400 trees on the hills of Dongri-Uttan for the construction of a Metro car shed.

The final metro station is located at Subhash Chandra Bose Ground in Bhayandar West, where vast stretches of vacant land are available nearby. Environmentalists and citizens are questioning the rationale behind relocating the car shed nearly 10 kilometers away into the ecologically sensitive Uttan's Dongri hills, resulting in the destruction of dense forests that are vital for the city's clean air and biodiversity.

"We are not against development. However, cutting down these 12,400 trees is not just an attack on nature but an attack on the health of every citizen," said Dhiraj Parab, a prominent environmental activist. 

A three-day signature campaign was organized near major railway stations, where thousands of concerned citizens, nature lovers, and environmental groups signed petitions to halt the tree felling.

"One signature can save countless lives – of trees, birds, and humans. Saving these trees is saving the future of Mira-Bhayander," Harshad Dange, an environmentalist, said.

"There are barren lands near the existing Metro route, yet they are targeting pristine forests. It’s not development if it destroys the very air we breathe," Hemant Sawant, political activist and social worker, said.

According to municipal sources, in the first phase, 1,406 trees are to be felled, while the second phase envisions the removal of an additional 9,900 trees. Though MMRDA was asked to submit a detailed replantation plan – including the planting of 8,292 new trees and the relocation of 574 existing ones – they are yet to present the required blueprint.

"We are not just talking about numbers here. Each of these trees plays a crucial role in keeping our temperatures down, absorbing carbon dioxide, and maintaining rainfall," Sayed Zeeshan Haider, nature enthusiast and AAP leader, said.

"We owe it to our children to leave behind a liveable planet. Signing a petition is the least we can do," Nilesh Sahu, who joined the campaign along with his family, said.

Activists stress that beyond the immediate environmental damage, the removal of these trees will destroy habitats of countless species of birds and wildlife that thrive in the Dongri-Uttan forests.

"This project, if executed as planned, would permanently scar the landscape of Mira-Bhayander," Parab said. "We urge citizens, communities, and policymakers to recognize the gravity of the situation."

The signature campaign is being continued across Mira Road and Bhayander.