Uddhav Thackeray halts work on Aarey Metro shed

Mumbai : A day after taking oath as the new Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray ordered a stay on the construction of Metro shed in the Aarey forest region.

“I have ordered to stop the work of Aarey metro car shed project today. Metro work will not start until any further decision, not a single leaf of Aarey will be cut,” Mr Thackeray said following a meeting with officials on Friday.

Around 2000 trees were cut on October 4, leading to a massive protest against the government's move to create space for Mumbai Metro Shed.

Uddhav Thackeray, however, clarified that he is not against any infrastructure works and would not discontinue other projects of the Mumbai metro. But, the government will only go ahead after a complete review on the ongoing construction of the car shed inside the green lung in the next two days.

“The people of Mumbai are happy with this decision. Development works will continue but the harm that was being done to the environment will be stopped,” Aditya Thackeray said.

Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the move and called the decision as 'unfortunate'. He said that it is a real disincentive for investors who want to infuse capital into Mumbai's infrastructure.

“It is unfortunate that the State Government stayed Aarey Metro car shed work in spite of the Supreme Court and High Court orders. The ultimate sufferer is the common Mumbaikar only,” said Fadnavis.