The twin tunnels will now pass underneath Habalepada hamlet MUMBAI: The alignment of the proposed twin tunnels for Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) has been moved 600 metres from the original path under Sanjay Gandhi National Park , ensuring that the tribal hamlet of Habalepada will remain intact. But the shift will come at a cost of Rs 250 crore, to be added to the GMLR project 's original estimate of Rs 6,301 crore. "The earlier tunnel route would have required relocating a few households in Habalepada.
With the change, the tunnels will pass underneath the hamlet, and no family will be displaced," additional civic chief Abhijit Bangar said. "It is encouraging that the BMC has acknowledged the rights of the indigenous communities and adjusted the project accordingly," said Aarey conservation activist Amrita Bhattacharjee, who played a pivotal role in organising the tribals to fight for their rights. GMLR cost hike due to deeper boring caused by realignment The realignment of the proposed twin tunnels for Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) has brought immense relief to the residents of Habalepada.
"It's great news for us that our homes and fields are safe," said Dinesh Habale, a local, though he noted that they have yet to receive formal communication from BMC. The decision to alter the alignment was made during a meeting last month with newly elected Mumbai Northwest MP Ravindra Waikar , who, like Aarey conservation activist Amrita Bhattacharjee, advocated for the change. "At the meeting, I insisted that if the alignment could be adjusted to save the hamlet, it must be done," Waikar said.
On the cost escalation, Bangar explained BMC is employing two construction methods: the cut and cover technique and a tunnel boring machine (TBM). "Due to the shift in alignment, we will need to dig deeper, increasing the TBM's required length by 600 metres, leading to the added cost." He said tunnel construction is expected to take four years, with work set to begin after the monsoon.
Expressing hope that future infrastructure projects would consider environmental preservation, Bhattacharjee said, "We hope project proponents will make optimal use of design expertise to prevent the destruction of natural ecosystems and the habitats of indigenous communities and wildlife in the execution of infrastructure projects." Armed with evidence, Bhattacharjee guided the tribals in demanding the formation of a ward sabha under the Forest Conservation Act to decide on the potential acquisition of their land for the GMLR twin tunnels project . In August this year, tribals from across Aarey Colony united in a large procession to protest against the forced evictions tied to the GMLR project.
The protests, along with formal objections, have had a conclusive impact..
