Amitabh Bachchan faces criticism for praising Metro, activists protest

Activists opposing proposed felling of over 2,600 trees in Aarey Colony std a silent protest outside Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow here against his tweet supporting Mumbai Metro project. Several activists, who are against felling of trees in leafy colony to make way for a Metro car shed, on Wednesday std ir protest outside Bachchan's residence in Juhu, holding banners and placards carrying messs: 'Save Aarey' and 'Gardens do t make forests'.

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Earlier on Tuesday, Bachchan in a tweet said, "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." Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited's Managing Director Ashwini Bhide even hailed Bachchan's praise for Metro project.  

Shraddha Kapoor joins protest to save Aarey forest, questions BMC 

"Thank u @SrBachchan ji fr depicting d importance of #Metro so succinctly. Thank you for ur support. We'r committed 2 commission entire #MumbaiMetro network incldng @MumbaiMetro3 @d earliest r prvide faster, safer, convenient,#PollutionFree commute 2 #Mumbaikars #AareyAikaNa," Bhide tweeted. However, environmental activist Zoru Bhana, who has filed a petition in Bombay High Court against civic body's approval given for felling of trees, asked megastar to visit Aarey to understand ground reality and also hit out at Metro project authorities.

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"Dear MMRDA Official, I hear you are looking for plots for constructing casting yards for your various METRO projects. Would SrBachchan's garden suffice? I think you'll will find area suitable for your needs... and I am sure he would happily oblige too." "Dear @SrBachchan. Would request you to leave protection of your Garden & join our friends waiting for u outside. Sir, let us take you for a visit to Aarey It will change your perception Sir. When will you join us Sir. Aarey is waiting? #SaveAareyForest #SaveAareySaveMumbai," he said in ar tweet.

Aarey Colony, adjoining Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is kwn as a major green lung of metropolis. Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray has been quite vocal against proposed felling of trees in area. Environmentalists and activists are also opposing Metro car shed project and have been demanding its relocation.

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Several Bollywood personalities and politicians have also extended ir support to se activists. Commenting on Aarey issue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said it is government's land which does t fall under a forest area.