Citizens demand Kanjurmarg land for integrated depot

Aarey conservation group urges deputy salt commissioner to withdraw litigation and clear path for car shed construction

The Aarey Conservation Group met deputy salt commissioner on Wednesday, urging him to withdraw the litigation and clear the path for the construction of an integrated Metro depot at Kanjurmarg. A representation was made by the group and a letter was also submitted with demands. A copy of the letter is in possession of the Free Press Journal.

As per the letter, four of the city’s Metro projects have allegedly been held to ransom by the salt commission department. The letter reads, “Not just for Mumbai Metro 3, but we demand the immediate release of Kanjurmarg land for the remaining projects like Metro 6 and 4A. We urge you to withdraw your litigation in the Bombay High Court and clear the path for the construction of an integrated car shed at Kanjurmarg.”

The letter further reads, “We the citizens of Mumbai, and our organisations, humbly request you to not act as a blocker to the rights of Mumbai citizens, to have their much-needed Metro infrastructure at the earliest. Please also note that every day of delay being caused by you is costing the tax payers a huge amount. Your magnanimity in handing over the land will only help get the goodwill of the people, while helping in the betterment of the city of Mumbai.” The group said it earnestly hopes that the salt commissioner will consider their requests

and help remove the obstacles that stand in the way of Mumbai’s transport infrastructure.

The letter was signed by activists who are fighting for the

conservation of Aarey that includes Stalin D, Biju Augustine, Cassandra Nazareth, Sanjiv Valsan, Godfrey Pimenta, among other citizens.