Aarey Colony, an urban woodland in Mumbai, is facing development pressure in the form of a controversial transit line.
Photo: Justin Nisly/Bloomberg CityLab
A New Metro Brings Controversy to Mumbai’s ‘Green Lung’
Protesters are battling a transit plan that will cut thousands of trees and displace hundreds of residents from the Indian megacity’s only woodland.
Shouts of “Azadi” — Hindi for freedom — keep time with the rhythmic beating of drums as protesters gather in a densely wooded area in Mumbai.
Since July, crowds ranging in size from dozens to hundreds have been congregating for these weekly Sunday demonstrations. At issue: a metro train car shed set to rise on undeveloped land in Aarey Colony, a lush pocket of urban wilderness that environmentalists consider the last “green lung” in the Indian megacity.