Bhayandar: Public outcry against Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and MMRDA’s plan to cut over 12,000 trees in Dongri Hill for Metro car shed is gathering increased support. Over 21,000 signatures were collected and submitted to MBMC to voice the public opposition to the government plans to cut 12,400 trees for the infrastructure project.  

Representatives from diverse groups—including Shaheed Major Kaustubh Rane’s mother Jyoti Rane, Fr Oscar Mendonsa, former corporator Sharmila Baggaji, Rajeev Mehra, RTI activist Krishna Gupta and Dean Edward Jacinto — met MBMC chief Radhabinod Sharma and handed over the petition.

“Dongri hill is a key oxygen source for the city, and these trees anchor groundwater for nearby farms and gardens,” remarked dean Edward Jacinto. 

“Cutting the trees for a car shed would be a grave injustice. So, we are with the citizens and we had submitted 21000 signatures to the government,” Fr Oscar Mendonca said.

“It is corrupt and discriminatory that notifications were released in unnoticed newspapers to avoid public awareness, then rewritten through biased approvals by non-experts,” said Jyoti Rane.

Petitioners demanded full annulment of both stages of the tree-felling proposal, thorough environmental audits, cessation of any further tree or hill destruction, and reinstatement of the area as a natural preserve open for eco-education and recreation.