Mumbai: Residents from 10 villages—Dongri, Tarodi, Chowk, Pali, Uttan, Gorai, Manori, Rai, Morva, and Murdha—along with several environmental groups and concerned citizens, have come together in large numbers to protest against the proposed Metro Line 9 car shed at Dongari in Mira Bhayajder Municipal Corporation jurisdiction.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has earmarked a land parcel in Dongari for the Metro depot, but locals argue that the project would require the felling of over 12,400 trees, leading to significant environmental damage. Despite the land being government-owned, villagers say the ecological impact is too severe to ignore.
During a public meeting, residents submitted a petition—signed by hundreds—opposing the large-scale deforestation required for the project. They also raised concerns that the land designated for the car shed is on a hillock, which may complicate construction.
Metro Line 9, which runs from Dahisar East to Mira Bhayandar, spans 10.54 km and includes eight elevated stations. It is designed as an extension of the Metro Line 7 (Andheri East to Dahisar East) elevated corridor.
Locals and activists are urging authorities to reconsider the location of the car shed in order to protect the region’s fragile green cover.
