The Supreme Court has permitted the felling of 95 trees for the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project in Mumbai’s Film City area, located near the Aarey forest belt. However, the Court clarified that no trees may be cut without its explicit permission.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the Bombay Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plea seeking approval to proceed with the initial phase of tree removal. The request followed a previous Supreme Court order dated January 10, which barred the BMC’s Tree Authority from cutting trees in Aarey without prior approval.

While acknowledging the importance of environmental protection, the Court underscored that infrastructure development is essential for the country’s progress. “No doubt protection of environment is important; at the same time, the necessity of development activities cannot be ignored,” the bench observed. “In carrying out the development, least damage should be caused to the environment.”

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BMC, said that although around 1,000 trees may be impacted by the project, only 95 need to be felled immediately. When asked if an expert agency had reviewed the plan, Rohatgi cited an IIT-Bombay report. The Court directed the BMC to submit the report along with a detailed afforestation plan by August 8. The matter will next be heard on August 12.

The plea was opposed by environmental activists, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who highlighted that nearly 4,000 trees have already been cut in the Aarey region without adequate replantation measures.

The Court, however, pointed to the broader public interest, noting that Mumbai cannot halt infrastructure development due to ongoing projects. CJI Gavai referenced the Atal Setu project, noting its significant impact on improving connectivity in the city despite environmental costs. “We are all for protecting the environment, but sustainable development is also necessary. We have to be concerned about the millions of citizens who will benefit,” the bench said.

New source: Hindustan Times