Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 5: In line with the Maharashtra government’s ambitious target of planting 300 crore trees, a large-scale plantation drive is set to be undertaken in Aarey Colony, one of Mumbai’s key green zones adjoining the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
Widely regarded as the “green lung” of the city, Aarey had earlier drawn national attention in 2019 following the felling of around 1,500 trees for a Metro car shed project.
Cultural Affairs Minister and Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has now outlined a plan to implement Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s mega plantation initiative in the area. He has directed District Collector Saurabh Katiyar to prepare a comprehensive plantation strategy covering approximately 65 acres of land across Aarey during the upcoming monsoon.
The minister has also instructed officials to develop an action plan to increase the density of existing forest cover within the colony.
During a recent visit, Shelar held discussions with representatives from various government departments functioning within Aarey to assess available land and explore support through district planning funds.
Officials from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have been tasked with documenting available plots and preparing a detailed report.
The proposed plan will outline the number and species of saplings to be planted, evaluate the feasibility of creating Miyawaki forests in select locations, and recommend measures to enhance overall green cover.
Sites inspected during the visit included the Goregaon Veterinary Hospital, Mahananda Dairy headquarters, State Reserve Police Force Group No. 8 and Force One campus, Maharashtra Agro Industries Development Corporation office, Animal Husbandry Quality Control Laboratory, Central Poultry Development Organisation, and the Modern Bakery campus.
“Preliminary observations indicate that around 65 acres of land across these locations may be available for plantation,” Shelar said, directing authorities to carry out a detailed assessment.
He further noted that land earlier earmarked for Metro Bhavan remains vacant and should also be considered for plantation. Directions were also issued to increase tree density in open spaces within the Aarey Metro car shed premises.
The initiative is expected to play a significant role in boosting Mumbai’s green cover while addressing environmental concerns in the rapidly urbanising metropolis.