In a major development, the Supreme Court of India has directed that no trees be felled or transplanted for the metro rail project in Kolkata’s Maidan area, which adjoins the historic Victoria Memorial. This decision comes as a response to environmental concerns raised about the impact of the ongoing construction.
On Friday, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued notices to the West Bengal government, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), and other stakeholders, seeking their responses to a plea challenging a recent Calcutta High Court ruling. The high court had previously dismissed a petition requesting an immediate halt to construction activities in the Maidan area, citing concerns over the removal and transplantation of numerous trees.
The Supreme Court’s interim order mandates that while construction work may proceed, no new trees can be removed or transplanted until further notice. “You can continue with the work but don’t fell trees from today,” the bench instructed RVNL’s counsel.
The court’s decision underscores the need to balance infrastructural development with environmental preservation. The bench has scheduled the next hearing in three weeks, at which time it will further review the project’s impact on the Maidan area’s ecological assets and determine the way forward.
This ruling highlights ongoing tensions between urban development and environmental conservation, as cities like Kolkata grapple with the challenges of expanding infrastructure while safeguarding green spaces.
(With media inputs)