Legal Battle to Green Light Tree Felling for Mumbai's Road Expansion

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has approached the Supreme Court to seek approval for cutting more trees for the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project, offset by compensatory afforestation. The court had earlier allowed felling of 95 trees, and a new plea will be heard on October 27 for further approval.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a new plea by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) concerning the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project. Scheduled for October 27 after the Diwali break, the hearing will determine if more trees can be felled, given compensatory afforestation measures.

Previously, on August 14, the court granted permission to cut down 95 trees. However, the BMC argues that further tree felling is necessary for the first phase of the project, which aims to improve road connectivity between the Western and Eastern Express Highways, drastically reducing travel time.

The civic body has pledged to adhere to afforestation policies, including the geo-tagging of saplings. The urgency for additional tree removal was presented to the Chief Justice-led bench on October 16, emphasizing the project's importance and its compliance with environmental safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies.)