Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde launches ReRoot drive, 16,000 trees to be planted at Kanjurmarg landfill

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde leads plantation drive at Kanjurmarg landfill (Pic/Special arrangement)

Mumbai BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde on Friday launched a tree plantation drive at the Kanjurmarg landfill site under the 'ReRoot' urban forest restoration initiative, with plans to plant around 16,000 trees in the area.

As per the official statement, the initiative, jointly undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited, was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day at the waste processing centre located within the Kanjurmarg landfill site.

Addressing the gathering, Tawde said, "The civic body would undertake similar plantation drives around all landfill sites in Mumbai and urged citizens to actively participate in making the city greener." She appealed to every Mumbaikar to plant at least one tree and contribute towards environmental conservation."

750 saplings planted during the plantation drive

The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from school students, non-governmental organisations and residents, with nearly 750 trees planted during the programme. Students planted Bahava (Golden Shower) and other native species, spreading awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.

As per the official statement from the BMC, the 'ReRoot' initiative aims to transform solid waste management infrastructure into a sustainable green ecosystem.

More than seven native tree species will be planted as part of the project. With nearly 12,800 plants already existing at the Kanjurmarg site, the addition of 16,000 new trees is expected to significantly enhance the area's green cover.

Speaking about the city's environmental goals, Mumbai Mayor Tawde highlighted that Mumbai's urbanisation and growing population have increased the need for green spaces. While certain development and infrastructure projects require tree removal, the administration is working to offset the environmental impact through compensatory plantation efforts.

She also added, "The policy is to plant ten trees for every tree removed. The ReRoot initiative is one such effort to restore ecological balance while ensuring the city's development continues," she said.

Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, Ward Committee Chairperson Sakshi Dalvi, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar and other civic officials were present at the event.

The Mayor further said similar afforestation drives would also be undertaken at other landfill sites and within housing society premises across Mumbai as part of the city's broader efforts to create urban forests and improve environmental sustainability.