Mumbai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), had granted the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) a final four-week extension to submit a detailed affidavit on tree felling for Metro and road projects in Mumbai.
The tribunal was acting on the suo motu cognisance which it had taken of a news report published on March 26, 2024, highlighting that over 21,000 trees were lost in Mumbai over six years due to Metro and road construction.
The NGT had earlier directed MCGM to submit an affidavit detailing the exact number of trees permitted to be felled and supporting proof. However, during the hearing, MCGM’s counsel, Prakash Shejal, stated that information from agencies like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Metro authorities was still being collected. The tribunal found the response vague, thereby granting a final four-week extension for the submission of the data.
Additionally, the NGT directed MCGM to provide details of compensatory tree plantations, specifying the number and location of trees planted to offset the loss. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 6, 2025.
