Mumbai Metro Controversy: Rs Two Lakh Spent Per Tree Raises Eyebrows

Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has come under scrutiny following a startling revelation in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.

It has been disclosed that Rs two lakh was spent on each of the 584 trees planted and maintained along the Metro 3 route, spread across 13 different locations in Mumbai. This revelation has ignited controversy and raised questions about the expenditure.

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When NDTV visited the metro car shed in Aarey, an area where the MMRCL is constructing a car shed, the condition of the trees did not reflect the reported expenditure. Many of the trees appeared withered, and some had iron nails embedded in them.

The construction of the car shed led to the cutting of several trees in the Aarey colony, a move that had been met with opposition from environmentalists and local residents.

Despite this, the MMRCL reported having planted and transplanted 584 trees in the area. According to the RTI response from the MMRCL, the total expenditure for supply, delivery, plantation, and maintenance amounted to nearly Rs 12 crore.

In comparison, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is known to spend approximately Rs 800 on each plant during its plantation drives, has also faced allegations of overspending. Some organisations manage to plant trees for around Rs 200 each, leading to further scrutiny of the MMRCL's high expenditure.

Godfrey Pimenta and Nicholas Almeida, founders of the Watchdog Foundation, have demanded an investigation into the alleged excessive spending. Pimenta highlighted the discrepancies, noting that while permissions were granted for the cutting of 2,298 trees, proposals were made to cut fewer trees, with compensatory afforestation involving both transplantation and new saplings. The condition of these trees, as revealed through RTI, suggests a significant discrepancy in maintenance practices.

The initial projection indicated that 5,012 trees would be impacted by the project, with 1,331 to be cut and 3,681 to be replanted elsewhere in the city. According to contract terms, the parties involved are required to either transplant the affected trees or plant new ones to compensate for those removed, with a rule stipulating that three saplings must be planted for every tree cut and maintained for at least three years.

The current controversy highlights concerns about the management and oversight of environmental compensation measures related to large infrastructure projects.