Mumbai News: BMC to Remove Eight Mature Trees for Parking Project Near Acharya Atre Metro Station

Mumbai, August 16, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed the removal of eight mature tropical trees and transplantation of four others from the Worli Engineering Hub on Dr E Moses Road to make way for a car parking project near Acharya Atre Metro Station on the Aqua Line. The move has stirred concern among civic officials, who are quietly disheartened by the loss of trees aged between 35 and 50 years.

According to notices issued by BMC’s Garden Cell, the tree clearance is required for an underground and elevated car parking facility, meant to address parking shortages for officials working at the Worli hub. However, many civic staffers — while acknowledging the necessity of the project — have expressed sadness over the felling of trees, which include jackfruit, banyan, peepal, and ashoka trees, all of which are significant evergreen species.

Officials noted that they feel unable to openly voice opposition due to their status as government employees. Although the Garden Cell has assured that only species with a chance of surviving transplantation were selected for relocation, the survival rate and financial cost of transplanting mature trees remain a concern. Only four trees were deemed strong enough to potentially survive the process.

With no residential areas in close proximity to the site, public opposition has been minimal, intensifying the helplessness felt by some civic workers. Many wish all trees could be saved or relocated, but admit the decision is beyond their control.

The project, backed by a senior architect and supported by the Election Department for use during elections, includes the demolition of an old building near the Engineering Hub to construct a multistorey structure, necessitating further clearance in the area. As per official records, two trees have already been classified as dead, and the remaining six healthy ones are scheduled for removal.

In a separate but related development, efforts to boost green cover in Aarey Milk Colony are being hampered by uncontrolled grazing by free-roaming buffaloes. Authorities report that more than 5,000 newly planted saplings are at risk, prompting the installation of 4-to-6-foot chain-link fences for protection.

Despite Aarey and Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s rich biodiversity, illegal grazing remains a threat. Many of the buffaloes reportedly belong to owners from Filterpada, where proper facilities for keeping cattle are lacking.

Local cattle owners argue that responsible owners would not risk their buffaloes by letting them graze freely. Activists, however, have slammed forest officials for insufficient enforcement and are calling for active regulatory measures rather than relying only on fencing.

Recent discussions between local farmers and authorities have highlighted damage to crops caused by the roaming cattle. Although stray buffalo sightings are being reported to BMC, a long-term resolution remains elusive.