Metro comment: protesters gather outside Amitabh Bachchan’s home

Mumbai: A day after superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s tweet on Mumbai Metro went viral on social media, activists landed outside his Juhu residence in Mumbai with pleas to save Aarey forest area. Several environmental activists stood outside his bungalow at Jalsa to protest against his tweet. The activists held placards and posters, and said that gardens do not make forests.

Recently, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation gave a green signal to slash 2,700 trees in the Aarey forest for the Metro project has led to massive protests within the city. The ‘Pink’ actor had tweeted, “Friend of mine had a medical emergency, decided to take metro instead of his car. Came back very impressed...said was faster, convenient and most efficient. Solution for Pollution. Grow more trees. I did in my garden...have you (sic)”

While the tweet faced backlash from many Twitterati, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) Chief Ashwini Bhide applauded him. “Thank you @SrBachchan ji for depicting the importance of #Metro so succinctly. Thank you for your support. We’re committed to commission entire #MumbaiMetro network including @MumbaiMetro3 at the earliest to provide faster, safer, convenient & #PollutionFree commute to #Mumbaikars #AareyAikaNa,” she had posted.

However, environmental activists and social media users slammed both of them for their remark. The Aarey Metro-3 car shed plan is in the middle of a heated debate, as the work will see the felling of over 2,700 trees in the Aarey forest, which is a crucial green space in the city and home to various animal species.

On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court directed authorities against clearing the area, until the court decides on the broader issues.