After his first visit to the state secretariat, newly-sworn in Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray told media persons that he had told officials to suspend work on the Aarey metro car shed project, reports ANI.
Thackeray proclaimed that till next decision is taken regarding the project, not one leaf of trees in Aaarey Colony would be cut.
The construction of the car shed at Aarey Colony has been the subject of protests by many NGOs and activists who claimed that the felling of trees would further choke Mumbai.
Proponents of the project argue that Line 3 of Mumbai Metro, for which the shed is being constructed, will help save approximately 2.5 lakh litres of fuel per day i.e. about Rs 550 crore per year. The reduction in fossil fuel consumption will lead to a reduction of emissions by an incredible 6,800 tonnes per annum. It will help remove 456,771 vehicles from the roads of Mumbai.