Activists support developer’s proposal for Metro depot

A few months ago, the builder, Royal Palms (India) Pvt Ltd, had sent letters to the state and environmentalists, offering a part of the Royal Palms township for Metro depot

As the controversy over the plan to build Metro-3 depot at Aarey Colony rages on, environment activists have now said the government should consider the proposal of a builder, who offered part of his private land adjacent to the Aarey Colony, for the purpose.

Environmentalists had suggested eight options for depot relocation. (HT File)

A few months ago, the builder, Royal Palms (India) Pvt Ltd, had sent letters to the state and environmentalists, offering a part of the Royal Palms township for Metro depot.

“We, Royal Palms (India) Pvt Ltd, are private land owners and our land is approximately 1-km further from the proposed yard at Aarey Colony and we are in position to allot 30 to 60 acres of land for Metro-3 yard,” reads the letter.

D Stalin of Vanshakti has written to the state, asking it to consider the proposal. “Last month, we received a letter from a private land owner near Aarey, who has offered his land as an alternative to the site at Aarey. The land owner is not seeking any monetary compensation and does not have any trees on it. As we are keen to protect Aarey Colony, we are sending the letter to you for consideration, in tune with the law. If found suitable and legal, the site may be considered as an added option suggested by us,” the letter reads.

Sources informed that the extension of metro line to Royal Palms will also boost real estate prices in the area substantially.

Despite various attempts, none of the officials from the builder group could be reached for comment. Senior MMRC officials refused to comment on the issue, calling it “sensitive”.