Introduction:

In the case concerning the construction of a metro station in Kolkata’s Maidan area, the Calcutta High Court recently addressed the plea by the “People United For Better Living in Kolkata (public)” seeking to halt the project due to concerns over tree uprooting near Victoria Memorial.

The petitioners sought to stop the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) from proceeding with construction, citing environmental concerns and the potential impact on Maidan, a crucial green space in Kolkata. They emphasized the ecological significance of Maidan as a carbon sink and groundwater recharger, crucial for maintaining the city’s environmental balance.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioners argued that the proposed metro station’s construction would involve uprooting approximately 700 trees, which they claimed were essential for maintaining Maidan’s environmental integrity. They called for a review of the project by independent experts and questioned the feasibility of transplanting the trees.

In response, RVNL countered that all necessary permissions had been obtained, including approval from the Forest Department, and asserted that extensive efforts had been made to transplant trees to mitigate the environmental impact. They highlighted the economic and infrastructural benefits of the metro project for public transportation in Kolkata.

Court’s Judgment:

The Calcutta High Court dismissed the petition, emphasizing the public interest served by the metro project and acknowledging Kolkata’s unique position as the pioneer city for metro railways in India. The court noted that RVNL had complied with regulatory requirements and had developed a comprehensive plantation program to compensate for tree felling. It found the petitioner’s concerns based on newspaper reports and unsubstantiated apprehensions rather than factual inaccuracies presented by RVNL.