Metro carshed likely in Aarey despite opposition

Maharashtra government is likely to build the proposed carshed of Metro rail-3 at Aarey colony in Goregaon despite environmental objections and opposition from activists. The other site proposed was Kanjurmarg dumping ground. In order to comply with the environmental objections, the government has decided to reduce the number of trees that would be chopped and ensure re-plantation.

The environment activists and locals had opposed building of the carshed in Aarey saying it would damage the only green cover in the city.

The government had appointed a committee to decide about the site for the carshed and submit its report. However, even though the report suggested Kanjurmarg as the alternate site for the carshed, the government is of the opinion that the Aarey colony is the best site for the Metro carshed.

“Nothing has been finalised about the carshed. But we are going to cut fewer number of trees and ensure re-plantation in the area,” secretary at the CMO Pravin Darade said, hinting that the carshed is likely to be built at the proposed Aarey colony site. Another official from the Urban Development Department also said the government has found Aarey to be a better option than Kanjurmarg dumping ground.

“If one checks advantages and disadvantages of both the sites then Aarey is the better option. We respect worries raised by environmentalists but the government will ensure that the ecology undergoes minimum damage,” the official from urban development said.

Defending the choice of Aarey colony as a more appropriate location over Kanjurmarg, the official from the urban development department said the Metro–3 Colaba-Bandra-Seepz (Andheri) will have to be extended till Kanjurmarg if that site is chosen for the carshed. Also, Kanjurmarg lies in a different route than Aarey. Not only would the extension delay the process but also increase the expenditure, the official added. Meanwhile, Mumbai Metro Rail Corportion (MMRC) report submitted to National Green Tribunal on Monday said that Aarey is not a forest land. The activists and politicians had vehemently opposed the construction of Metro carshed at the Aarey.