Mumbai Port Authority plants 1,500 trees at Cotton Green, Sewri on Environment Day

MUMBAI: Next year you drive past the eastern freeway, the port road and P D'mello road after hitting the Atal Setu end at Sewri, the alongside dry Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) zone will adorn a greener look and help absorb 35 tonnes of carbon emissions by passenger car units. The MBPA recently planted 1,500 trees and bamboo saplings across Cotton Green and Sewri on World Environment Day as part of the Centre's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, aimed at encouraging citizens to contribute to environmental conservation through community participation.The plantation drive, organised by MbPA's Civil Engineering Department, saw 500 trees planted at Ram Mandir in Cotton Green East and 1,000 bamboo saplings planted along footpaths at Sewri Gadi Adda below Atal Setu in Sewri East.The Cotton Green plantation was carried out in association with FICCI FLO, while the Sewri initiative was undertaken jointly with the Directorate General of Shipping and the Amazing Nautical Association.Officials said the bamboo plantation near Atal Setu is expected to improve green cover along a busy public movement corridor, while the tree plantation at Cotton Green will help strengthen greenery in a densely built-up port-linked neighbourhood.The drive formed part of the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, which urges people to plant a tree in honour of their mothers while promoting environmental stewardship."A tree planted in the name of one's mother is not only a tribute, it is a promise to protect life, nurture nature and leave behind a healthier environment for the next generation," said Dr P N Bahekar, secretary, Mumbai Port Authority."As a public institution deeply connected with Mumbai and its people, we believe that development and environmental care must move together. Every tree planted today is a small but meaningful step towards cleaner air, greener public spaces and a more responsible future," he added.Mumbai, which continues to grapple with shrinking open spaces and rising urbanisation pressures, has seen several government agencies undertake plantation and greening drives in recent years to improve biodiversity, air quality and public spaces.MbPA officials said the latest initiative is part of the authority's broader efforts towards sustainable port operations and environmental management across its operational areas. The authority said the programme also sought to promote citizen participation in creating greener neighbourhoods around the city's port precincts.