Mumbai: Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on Wednesday promising to plant 20,900 trees and will maintain them for seven years. MMRC will use 19 hectares of land, with the permission accorded by the tree authority, allocated by SGNP for afforestation and as a part of MMRC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Initially 10,450 trees will be planted as compensatory plantation whereas the rest will be a part of their CSR activity. Mouje: Malad (near Matangad) and Mouje: Akurli (Damu/Bhimnagar) are the lands that will be allocated to MMRC post a tree plantation survey done by SGNP authorities. Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRC said, “We are pleased to partner with SGNP for such a noble cause. As per the tree felling norms, three new saplings have to be planted for a tree being felled.
I am glad to share that MMRC has gone over and beyond to planting much more than what was expected out of us.” Bhide said the entire cost will be borne by MMRC. “MMRC is financially supporting this entire exercise and will also ensure that the entire tree planting activity is done with utmost precaution and will be with the guidance of tree authorities.” Akashneem, Bael, Chafa, Jungali Badam, Sag, Saptarangi, Singapore Cherry, Taman and Undi are some of Indian native species apart from others have been identified for this activity.
SGNP and MMRC officials have jointly conducted site visits to check the feasibility of the plan. So far around 5000 pits have been built and by last week of June the activity will take off.