City-based NGO Empower Foundation has shared a report with the Government Panel on Metro 3 car shed, seeking intervention to Save Aarey Forest, it's wildlife and the future of Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government on Wednesday set up a panel to identify alternative land, if any, for the Metro car shed whose construction in the city's green lung Aarey Colony was stayed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last month.

The four-member panel, to be headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), includes principle secretary (environment), managing director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), and chief conservator of Forests, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). It will also probe if due procedure was followed in chopping 2100 trees in the colony in October, said a state government order (GO).

The panel will also propose steps for the protection of environment at the colony. The committee will table its recommendations to the state government within 15 days.

While stopping the construction of the metro car shed, the CM had clarified that he had not stayed the work of the Mumbai metro rail project itself.

Annexing a 32-page report covering four important aspects concerning Aarey and the Metro shed matter, Empower Foundation’s  secretary, Sheetal Mehta said, “We shared key facts and evidence on the Aarey forest site and alternative sites and their legal status, which will help the panel take the right decision in the city’s interest.”

Under four broad aspects, the report provides evidence of wildlife and presence of leopards, the applicability of the Kanjurmarg land for the car depot, and alleged misrepresentations made by Metro authorities on the presence of wildlife to courts, state government, and the international funding agency for the ₹23,136-crore Metro-3 project, Japan International Cooperation Agency.

On Thursday, environment group and petitioners before the Supreme Court, Vanashakti also submitted its list of suggestions to the expert panel, highlighting six alternative sites for the car depot in Backbay, Kalina, SEEPZ, Kanjurmarg, Mahalaxmi, and Bandra Kurla Complex. “As per our research it is clear that the area required for the car shed cannot be more than 15 hectares,” said Stalin D, director, Vanashakti.

“Suggestions from citizens are welcome, and if feasible, they will be implemented,” said a committee member, requesting anonymity.

The panel is expected to submit its report to the state by December 26.