Maharashtra government to raze 54,000 trees for bullet train project

MUMBAI: The execution of Mumbai- Ahmedabad Bullet train project will see the authorities raze approximately 54,000 mangrove trees in the region, said the Maharashtra state government on June 24. Diwakar Raote, State Transport Minister, has assured the state’s legislative council that the government would be planting 5 trees in place of one tree. “The project will run on high pillars, to ensure the damage to mangroves and the environment is minimum. The floodwater will not enter Navi Mumbai, as no mangroves are being cut in the area,” said Raote, who also pointed out that the government is aiming to compensate the locals who would be possibly affected by the project. The proposed land required for the construction of the bullet train project is 1,379 hectares, out of which approximately 275 hectares is privately owned in Maharashtra. The government aims to procure the land in exchange of an appropriate compensation to the land owners.