The Green Lung of Mumbai- 
Our very own ‘Aarey Milk Colony’ came in the existence in the year 1949 and is spread over an area of 3160 acres of land. The recent decision of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. ( JICA being equity partner in the project) to construct Metro car shed at Aarey by the cutting of 2238 trees would be environmentally suicidal. It is the last green, open space in Mumbai. The Aarey Milk Colony is contiguously touching the boundary of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is a large protected area. The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the Park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects and 40 species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 150 species of butterflies and a large variety of fish. 

The proposed Metro Car Shed is along the catchment area of the Mithi River. Tampering with flood plains like this have recently led to disastrous monsoon flooding of entire Mumbai city during high tides, a disaster which we are sure even the Japanese Government/JICA does not want.

JICA has been intervening in the various regions of the world to develop a participatory forest management (PFM) system. JICA’s own inhouse magazine promotes the cause of forests. But sadly JICA instead of being partner in progress of Mumbai Metro 3 Project is promoting destruction of forest of Aarey.

We on behalf of people of Mumbai make this fervent and humble appeal to impress upon JICA to ensure that metro car depot at Aarey is relocated elsewhere viz. Kanjurmarg at Mumbai, which may involve additional funding of Rs.612crores. 

We Mumbaikars need the metro but not at the cost of destruction of Green Lung of Mumbai.

Spread the word! Sign the petition.

Save Aarey! 

- The Watchdog Foundation.