The environmentalists say that 90 per cent of the affected trees can be transplanted and if transplanted in a scientific way by experts, it increases the chances of survival.

Mumbai: The MMRDA now wants to appoint a contractor exclusively for transplantation of trees that will be affected by the metro 2B and metro 4 projects. The total number of trees affected in the metro 2B and metro 4 lines are around 7,000, however the official count is not yet out. The environmentalists say that 90 per cent of the affected trees can be transplanted and if transplanted in a scientific way by experts, it increases the chances of survival. As of now, 50 per cent of the transplanted trees in Mumbai die.

“It is great that finally, authorities are taking tree matters seriously. 50 per cent of the trees transplanted in the city do not survive because they are not transplanted in a scientific way. Transplantation for namesake does not result in the trees surviving. However, when the tree is transplanted by experts with the help of machines, it increases its chances for survival,” said tree activist Zoru Bathena.

Bathena said, “It seems after the Bombay high court slammed the government and authorities for not carrying out tree transplantation properly with the help of machinery, MMRDA decided to appoint a contractor exclusively for tree transplantation.”

“The metro 2B line (D.N. Nagar to Mandale) and metro 4 line (Wadala to Kasarvadavali) together affect more than 5,000 trees in Mumbai and some 2,000 in Thane. A large number of trees are affected as the metro passes through the core of the city. Ninety per cent of the trees can be transplanted,” Bathena added.