Although the Metro is projected as an 'environment-friendly' transport alternative by the government, as per latest figures on tree-cutting, they already seem to be taking a toll on the city's green cover. In the first 11 months of this year, the Tree Authority received proposals for removal or transplantation of over 13,000 trees, which is a whopping 160 per cent rise from the yearly average of 5,000 trees facing the axe.

Out of the 13,000, nearly 6,000 permissions were related to the various Metro projects, including the controversial car shed in Aarey Milk Colony. With another month-and-a-half for the year to end, this number could very well see a further rise. The Tree Authority (TA) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), before deciding on permissions for removal of trees for various projects, takes suggestions/objections from citizens through public notices and sometimes, by carrying out inspections.