23 October,2026 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) tunnel is being constructed in Goregaon. Pic/Satej Shinde
The proposed felling and transplantation of 1361 trees for the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project has drawn opposition from the Watchdog Foundation, which has warned that the loss of green cover could worsen Mumbai's air quality, rising temperatures and ecological imbalance.
[popcorn number="1361" desc="Total no of trees proposed to be felled or transported" class="Default"]
In a letter dated October 22 to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the foundation objected to the proposal to fell 695 trees and transplant 666 others for the GMLR stretch from the Western Express Highway to Airoli Toll Naka, as well as improvements to the junction of the Eastern Express Highway and the GMLR.
The objection comes amid concerns over Mumbai's unusually hot and humid October weather. The foundation argued that the city should protect and expand its green cover to combat rising temperatures and pollution rather than undertake large-scale tree removal.
"The proposed destruction and transplantation of such a large number of trees is deeply concerning and could have irreversible consequences for Mumbai's environment and ecological balance," the letter stated.
The foundation said the loss of trees could adversely affect biodiversity, air quality, urban temperatures and the quality of life of Mumbaikars. It urged the authorities to withdraw the proposal and explore alternatives that would minimise tree loss.
"Development cannot come at the cost of destroying the very environment that sustains us," the letter stated. The foundation also appealed to elected corporators to oppose the proposal and protect the city's remaining green cover.
The letter was signed by foundation trustees Nicholas Almeida and advocate Godfrey Pimenta, with advocate Vivian D'Souza and Rita D'Sa listed as advisers. The foundation called for sustainable development, arguing that infrastructure expansion must account for its environmental consequences.
The GMLR is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving east-west connectivity across Mumbai. The proposed tree removal has renewed questions over how the civic body will balance transport needs with the protection of the city's green spaces.
