In a significant ruling on environmental preservation, the Supreme Court of India has issued an interim order to halt the felling and transplantation of trees for the ongoing metro rail project in Kolkata’s Maidan area, adjacent to the historic Victoria Memorial. This directive came after the apex court bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, heard a plea challenging the Calcutta High Court’s decision from June 20, which had previously dismissed concerns over environmental degradation in the area.
The Supreme Court’s decision responds to escalated worries about the loss of green cover due to the metro expansion, underscoring a critical debate on urban development versus environmental conservation. The bench has issued notices to the West Bengal government and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), among others, seeking their response to the allegations of extensive tree felling.
During the proceedings, the justices emphasized that while construction could continue, no new trees should be removed until further notice. “You can continue with the work but don’t fell trees from today,” the bench instructed the counsel representing RVNL.*
The matter has been scheduled for a follow-up hearing in three weeks, where the court will further examine the implications of the metro project on the Maidan area’s natural assets.
