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The conflict between infrastructure development and environmental conservation has intensified, with the Supreme Court stepping in to halt large-scale deforestation in Telangana's Kancha Gachibowli area. Mumbai, too, faces an ecological crisis as metro projects, expressways, and tunnels lead to significant tree loss. Experts warn that tree transplantation efforts are largely ineffective, with poor survival rates. Environmentalists argue that unchecked deforestation worsens urban heat and biodiversity loss. With a lot of trees being lined up to be cut for the upcoming projects, a sustainable approach is imperative to balance progress and ecological preservation.
The Supreme Court recently intervened in the large-scale deforestation occurring in 400 acres of Telangana's Kancha Gachibowli area near the University of Hyderabad, holding the state's Chief Secretary personally accountable for the government's actions. Expressing grave concern, the court issued a directive to halt all activities in the region, barring efforts to protect the remaining trees. The court warned of stringent consequences should its orders be disregarded. Advertisement
A report submitted by the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court confirmed extensive tree felling in the area. Upon reviewing the findings, the Supreme Court questioned the urgency behind the clearing and demanded that the state government clarify whether appropriate environmental clearances had been secured. The court's response highlights a growing conflict between urban development and environmental conservation, a dilemma that is particularly pronounced in Mumbai, where large-scale infrastructure projects have led to significant ecological losses.
Mumbai's push for infrastructural advancement is putting tremendous strain on its green cover. Massive projects such as metro rail corridors, expressways, and tunnels necessitate widespread deforestation, prompting concerns about long-term environmental consequences. Municipal authorities revealed that approximately 90% of tree-cutting permissions in the city are granted for infrastructure projects, including the Metro, Bullet Train, Mumbai Coastal Road, sewage treatment plants, and road expansion initiatives.
One of the most contentious projects is the Metro 9 corridor, for which the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to transplant over 7,500 trees in Uttan. Similarly, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, featuring a 6.5-km twin tunnel beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), will significantly impact the local ecosystem. A survey by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded 1,567 affected trees, with 513 set for felling and 581 earmarked for transplantation. The majority of these trees are located near Aarey Colony's Film City Gate, an area already under ecological stress.
Another major development-the six-lane, 30-km highway connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port to the Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Goa highways-will clear over 24 hectares of forest land, necessitating the removal of at least 11,500 trees. The project will also affect 18.27 hectares of water bodies, 1.7 hectares of wetlands, and the ecologically fragile Karanja Creek.
Between 2018 and 2023, Mumbai has lost over 21,000 trees due to large-scale infrastructure projects, and this number is expected to climb further as new developments progress.
Recognising the ecological damage, the general response by agencies is to formulate a conservation plan. For instance, as a compensatory measure, NHAI has committed to planting a 10-metre-wide greenbelt along both sides of the highway, covering 24.5 hectares with 32,000 native trees. However, environmentalists remain sceptical, as the survival rate of transplanted trees has historically been low.
Civic officials argue that Mumbai's climatic conditions, including high humidity and pollution levels, negatively impact transplantation success. They assert that efforts are being made to balance development and conservation by attempting to transplant rather than outright fell a portion of trees affected by projects.
However environmental experts highlight that tree transplantation often fails due to improper techniques. Hardwood trees like Mango and Palm are not ideal for transplantation, whereas softwood species fare better. According to them, the current methods adopted for transplantation lack adequate recovery time for most trees and proper soil conditions.
Mumbai currently has an estimated 30 lakh trees, which increases to 70 lakh when including SGNP.The Coastal Road and Mahalaxmi Race Course projects are expected to add 300 acres of green cover in the coming years.
The Supreme Court had previously directed states to establish expert committees under Rule 16(1) of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023, to oversee development in ecologically sensitive areas.
The ongoing tension between infrastructure expansion and environmental conservation underscores the need for a balanced approach. Sustainable urban planning, stringent regulatory measures, and innovative green initiatives are crucial to ensuring that development does not come at the irreparable cost of nature. As India's cities continue to expand, striking this equilibrium will determine the future of their ecological and climatic stability.
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