Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday said that Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (MMRCL) adamant stand on setting up a metro car shed after cutting trees in Aarey colony is a move against the citizens of Mumbai. He said the consultant which suggested Aarey, ignoring its bio-diversity, must be probed in terms of funding and expertise.　

Mr. Thackeray, addressing a press conference, gave a presentation of the flora and fauna of Aarey and sounded an alarm that destruction of this bio-diversity would cause floods in Mithi river.

Without naming Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who on Monday cautioned of delays in the project due to such opposition, Mr. Thackeray said that a one-year delay cannot be compared to environment destruction and hardships of the next 50 years. "The Mithi river has overflooded thrice in this year only," he said.　

Mr. Thackeray lashed out at MMRCL's Managing Director Ashwini Bhide, demanding her transfer for not listening to those opposing cutting of trees. Ms. Bhide on Monday rejected the idea of shifting the car depot out of Aarey outrightly. "The concerned officer is not only disrespecting the elected representatives and the citizens of Mumbai but her statements also seem to be an effort to threaten the courts," Mr. Thackeray said.　

Mr. Thackeray said that the Metro 3 line was extended till the Aarey car shed which is in the middle of nowhere. "I don't know whether the real estate lobby is behind this but the land will be used for commercial exploitation in future if this is allowed," he said.