Around 284 fully grown trees near the Metro Line 3 car depot in Aarey Milk Colony are under threat after water from a nearby stream was allegedly blocked, leading to severe waterlogging around the plantation area. Environmentalists have warned that the stagnant water could kill hundreds of trees, many of which were part of the compensatory afforestation done to replace those felled for Metro projects in Aarey.
Recently, the Supreme Court had criticised the Maharashtra government over the poor survival rate of trees planted as part of the compensatory afforestation drive, noting that only about 50 per cent of over 20,000 saplings had survived.
Activist raises alarm
On Tuesday, environmentalist Stalin D visited the site and documented the situation through videos and photographs, alleging that more than 200 trees could die if the water stagnation is not addressed soon.
In an email complaint to the superintendent of gardens, the municipal commissioner, and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), Stalin wrote: “These trees, almost 10 years old, were planted by MMRCL opposite the Metro car shed exit near Birsa Munda Chowk. The land has a natural drain that once allowed water from upstream hilly areas to flow into the Mithi river. The drain has now been blocked, leading to stagnation. The roots will start rotting, and the trees will eventually die.” He also urged civic authorities to “drain out the stagnant water and restore the natural water path” to prevent further damage.
Site visit
When mid-day visited the site on Friday afternoon, pools of stagnant water were found surrounding the plantation area, confirming fears that the trees’ survival could be seriously affected if corrective measures are not taken soon. A July 2023 report by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), submitted to the Supreme Court, had detailed the implementation of compensatory afforestation linked to the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 car depot.
It mentioned that 284 trees were planted at the Aarey site as part of the initiative. During inspections in May 2023, IIT-B researchers found the plants “healthy and growing satisfactorily,” with indigenous species such as Mahogany, Kadamb, Saptapermi, and Jambhul thriving in the area. However, with the recent blockage of the natural drain, activists now fear that years of restoration work could be undone if authorities fail to act promptly.
