The Bombay High Court has cleared the removal of 2,612 mangroves to pave the way for the fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivali and Virar on the WR network. The move will reduce traffic congestion, emissions, and save fuel. Part of MUTP Phase III-A, the project is being viewed as a crucial one to give rail transport an impetus in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
Bombay HC Sanctions Removal Of 2,612 Mangroves
The court’s order, passed on 30 August and made public recently, highlighted the greater public interest and benefit accruing from the work. They observed that the railway network is one of the most eco-friendly and efficient modes of mass transport globally. These new lines will ease congestion on the existing tracks, reducing emissions and saving fuel. The railway will need to replant 7,823 mangroves as part of compensation for damage to the ecology.
Though 26-km-long new lines will bring increased train frequency, especially for commuters travelling beyond Borivali to Virar, there are currently five lines between Mumbai Central and Borivali, while a sixth line is under construction. Between Borivali and Virar, there are only four lines, adding to the burden on the infrastructure.
Tree Replantation By MMRCL
The projected cost of this is ₹2,184 crore. It has been promised that this would substantially improve the efficiency of the suburban railway network of Mumbai. The judges have also remarked that the technical, economic, and functional feasibility of the proposed alignment of the new lines is the best alignment. There was not even a single viable alternative. This hard fact reinforced the necessity of the project to proceed in the best possible manner.
In a related development, a special committee of the Bombay High Court voiced disapproval over the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited not replanting trees that were axed for Metro-3 from Colaba to Seepz. The MMRCL was to replant the trees at 28 different station areas. They have replanted only 724 trees out of the 3,093 trees at 18 sites despite repeated court orders.
The Maharashtra Legal Service Cooperation Department was to sort out the issue of tree planting during its visit to the Metro-3 stations. MMRCL claims to have planted 36,000 trees and maintains them. However, a High Court committee discovered that the order was not complied with regarding the geotagging of trees. It has asked the MMRCL to explain in detail the non-completion of replanting and geotagging.
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