At least 54,000 mangroves to be cut for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project

Mumbai: At a time when the earth is reeling under the threat of global warming and pollution, another bad news awaits for the Indians. Man, in the name of modernization and advancements, is destroying its own life and proving that once again, Maharashtra has taken up a bullet train project in the state for the sake of which at least 54,000 mangroves will be sacrificed.

This is certainly one of the most disappointing and shocking news for the Indians at this moment that at least 54,000 mangroves spreading across 13.36 hectares in Maharashtra will be cut off for setting up the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The news on the project and the cutting of the trees have been confirmed by the state government on Monday. This news, as usual, created quite uproar although the transport minister of the state Diwakar Raote has assured it in a written reply to Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande that there are plans from the government to plant five times the trees that will be cut for the project.

Diwakar Raote says, “The project will run on high pillars, to ensure the damage to mangroves and the environment is minimum. The floodwater will not enter Navi Mumbai, as no mangroves are being cut in the area.”

The locals who are to be affected due to the cutting off the mangroves are also being contacted by the government. The government says that after discussions, they have assured of giving appropriate compensation as well.

Responding to a question put by Congress legislator Sharad Ranpise, Raote further says that a total of 1,379 ha is proposed to be acquired for the project. Of this total land area, 275.65ha falls in Maharashtra and is privately owned. Other than this, 39.252sqm of private land that falls in Vikhroli, Mumbai, will also be purchased by the government.

In total, 188ha of private land will be acquired by the government. The project will also result into affecting 3,498 families who live in Palghar district. Other than this, Thane district’s 6,589 farmers, who own 84.81ha, are also going to be affected. Government has purchased 2.95ha of this land.

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