MUMBAI: By next year, as you drive past the eastern freeway, the port road, and P D'mello road after reaching the Atal Setu end at Sewri, the adjacent dry Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) zone is set to feature a greener appearance. This green cover will help absorb 35 tonnes of carbon emissions from passenger car units. On World Environment Day, the MBPA planted 1,500 trees and bamboo saplings across Cotton Green and Sewri as part of the Centre's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. This initiative encourages citizens to contribute to environmental conservation through community participation.
Plantation Drive Details
The plantation drive, organized by MbPA's Civil Engineering Department, included 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.
Expected Benefits
Officials stated that the bamboo plantation near Atal Setu is expected to improve green cover along a busy public movement corridor. Meanwhile, the tree plantation at Cotton Green will help strengthen greenery in a densely built-up port-linked neighborhood. This drive is part of the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, which urges people to plant a tree in honor of their mothers while promoting environmental stewardship.
Dr P N Bahekar, secretary of Mumbai Port Authority, remarked, "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." He added, "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."
Broader Context
Mumbai continues to grapple with shrinking open spaces and rising urbanization pressures. In recent years, several government agencies have undertaken plantation and greening drives 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 emphasized that the program also sought to promote citizen participation in creating greener neighborhoods around the city's port precincts.
