Aarey Forest Project: SC allows Mumbai Metro to cut trees; refuses to stay Maharashtra govt decision

In a big setback for environmentalists, the Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation to seek permission from tree-felling authority to cut 84 trees to build a metro shed in Aarey Forest.

The top Court was hearing the Aarey Forest case where it was considering primarily a
Maharashtra govt plea seeking nod to cut trees for a shunting site.

The bench noted that the State Government considered several factors, such as the letter written by the Central Government and expert committee report while coming to the conclusion that the original decision to allow the metro car depot at Aarey should be restored.

No trees have been cut in the Aarey colony since 2019 after a PIL was filed in the apex court seeking a stay on the felling of trees.

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