Residents of Kandivali are up in arms against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to cut down 337 fully grown trees for Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP-North). While civic authorities have assured that 228 trees will be replanted, residents fear the relocated trees will not survive after being uprooted. In response, local representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the BMC to explore ways to save as many trees as possible.
On Thursday evening, residents of Charkop Sector 8 in Kandivali West were shocked to find public notices posted on several trees in their locality. These trees, planted by the community two decades ago, are now set to be felled for the 20-kilometer MCRP Phase 2, which connects Versova to Dahisar at an estimated cost of ₹16,621 crore. While the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, locals are deeply concerned about its environmental impact and the loss of the greenery they nurtured for years.
Environmental activist and local resident Mili Shetty expressed her distress, stating, “The trees have become an integral part of Charkop Sector 8, providing a green canopy that shields us from the summer heat. These were planted by residents because no efforts were made by the authorities to green the area. Now, they are being cut down without even informing us. The thought of losing this vibrant space to a barren stretch lined with dead trees is heartbreaking.”
Borivali MLA Sanjay Upadhyay addressed residents’ concerns, saying, “I have spoken to civic officials, and they will meet me on Saturday to discuss the issue. While the project is crucial for commuters, I will make every effort to save as many trees as possible. Additionally, I have requested the identification of suitable land for replanting.”
