Residents Form Human Chain To Protest Against Uttan Metro Car Shed In Bhayandar

Locals and environmentalists demand relocation of proposed metro yard to prevent large-scale tree felling, environmental damage

In a growing wave of environmental protests, hundreds of residents from Bhayandar West’s Uttan, Dongri, and surrounding villages formed a human chain on July 6 to oppose the proposed Metro Car Shed in the Dongri area. This protest, spearheaded by local citizens and environmental activists, is the latest in a series of actions against the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for allegedly proceeding with construction at the cost of massive ecological loss.

According to protestors, over 800 trees have already been cut, and an estimated 12,000 more trees are marked for felling in order to build the car shed. The total estimated loss exceeds 20,000 trees, which locals argue are critical to the region’s oxygen supply and to combating rising air pollution in Mira-Bhayandar.

Among the protestors was former municipal corporator Rohit Surna, who stated that this infrastructure project could jeopardize the health and well-being of future generations and violate basic environmental and health rights. He emphasized that while locals support infrastructure development, they oppose any model of progress that compromises natural ecosystems and community health.

Alternative sites, such as land near the final metro station at Subhash Chandra Bose Ground and vacant salt pan areas, have been proposed. These alternatives could potentially save costs and avoid large-scale deforestation, protestors argue.

Environmental activist Dheeraj Parab has submitted a formal petition to the Governor of Maharashtra, Chief Minister, Deputy CM, Environment Minister, and Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner, requesting an immediate review and halt to the current site plan.

Notably, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) has also voiced opposition. Leaders such as Subhash Desai have held meetings with MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, urging the authority to shift the location. The party reminded the government that in the 2022 Budget Session, Minister Pratap Sarnaik raised concerns over the yard’s distance from the last metro station—five kilometers away—and stated it was technically unviable.

This renewed protest underscores ongoing tensions between urban development needs and ecological preservation efforts in Mumbai’s expanding metro region.