Mumbai’s Manori Plant Public Hearing Raises Concerns Over Tree Felling As Residents Demand Answers On Environmental Impact
Mumbai: Gorai residents have questioned the proposed felling of trees at the site of the Manori desalination plant, alleging major discrepancies in the project's land records, tree inventory and environmental safeguards. At a public hearing held at Byculla on November 3, activists said the meeting focused only on tree felling, without addressing questions about the project's environmental impact…
A public hearing in Mumbai on November 3 questioned the proposed felling of trees at the Manori desalination plant site. Activists argued that the meeting focused solely on tree removal, without addressing environmental impact or the project's cost-effectiveness. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), constructing the plant to supply 200 million litres of water daily, identified 971 trees across 12 acres, with 28 slated for permanent removal, 939 for transplantation, and four to remain.
Compensatory afforestation of 9,610 trees in Palghar has been proposed, though the plantation site remains unidentified. Residents challenged discrepancies in land records, noting the BMC only has advance possession of the land, while permissions cover 29 acres, not 20 as stated. They also questioned the absence of a comprehensive tree inventory and the environmental safeguards for the desalination project.
Activists demanded an independent tree census and a joint inspection, arguing for cost-effective alternatives like improving water loss reduction and exploring other water projects. The Marine Impact and Environmental Safeguards were also scrutinized, with calls for a credible, independent assessment, particularly on the potential impact of the project on marine life.
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