Though according to law, three saplings must be planted for every tree cut for a project or otherwise, state authorities have said that an exception would be made for Aarey and six saplings per tree would be planted. Also, said an official, 60% of the trees at the site of the proposed Metro-II cars shed are non-native and exotic, which can be replaced by native trees during the replantation drive.
“It is possible to replace the removed trees by replenishing an adjoining area with native species. The area was used to cultivate para grass by cattle shed operators through lease arrangements; therefore, there will be minimal disturbance to ecology,” said a senior official. “Of 30 hectares required, five hectares will continue to be green. Aarey has 4.8 lakh trees, of which just over 2,700 are going to be affected, which is only 0.6%.”