MMRDA plants 200 saplings after 376 trees die

World Bank sees red and questions state authorities over improper re-planting of trees

World Bank sees red and u00a0questions state authorities over improper re-planting of trees

It needed a reprimand from the World Bank (WB) for the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to plant nearly 200 saplings at Aarey Colony on Saturday. The World Bank was livid after 376 trees died because of improper re-planting. The trees were cut during construction work of the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR).

The MMRDA had axed trees in and around the 500 metres area of IIT Powai running parallel to the existing road to make way for a six-lane road. Dilip Kawatkhar, chief PRO, MMRDA said, "We are planting compensatory trees at Aarey Colony as per the directives of the World Bank."

Vilas Tondwalkar, joint project director (Environment), said, "The new saplings and trees planted at Aarey Colony also consists of those affected from work on JVLR."

During a recent 10-day visit, the World Bank officials came down heavily on the state authorities and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) that has undertaken the construction of JVLR under Mumbai Urban Transport Project.

A senior MSRDC official said, "The WB questioned us for improper method of re-planting trees. We had cautioned the contractor, responsible for cutting trees, to be careful before going ahead."u00a0 Usually, less than 75 per cent trees survive re-planting. But, this time, the MMRDA expects more than 80 per cent of the replanted trees to survive.

Rs 150 cr
Cost of JVLR

1,000
Total trees re-planted till now

95%
Work completed on JVLR

Going green
As per a recent amendment in the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act (1975), if there are not enough tree plantations in a particular area, then a fine of Rs 5,000 to u00a0u00a0Rs 10,000 per tree can be levied in the BMC area. As per the Act, there should be five trees in a 100-metre area in land reserved for recreational ground while there should be two trees in a 100-metre area in open space (buildings and societies).