Aarey agitation: Amitabh Bachchan faces flak for supporting Mumbai Metro

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan faced protests both on the streets and on the internet after he tweeted in support of Mumbai Metro even as people, including many celebrities, have been opposing felling of trees in Aarey Colony in north Mumbai to make way for Metro car shed.

Bachchan, in his tweet, proposed metro as a “solution to pollution.” “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,” he had tweeted.

His tweet had come a day when The Bombay High Court said no trees shall be cut in Aarey Colony till September 30 when it will hear a petition challenging proposed felling of over 2,600 trees in the area. The court was hearing a petition filed by activist Zoru Bathena challenging the Tree Authority's approval on August 29 for felling trees for the car shed.

Aarey Colony, which adjoins Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is known as a major green lung of the metropolis.

On Wednesday, people staged protests outside Bachchan's residence in Juhu, Mumbai, holding posters and placards in support of Aarey forests. Some of the postcards reportedly said gardens don't make a forest.

The MNS too had slammed the actor for his comments. According to ANI, MNS leader Akhil Chitre reminded the actor that he was opposed to the metro in 2010 saying his privacy was getting hampered. "But, within a few years, after the change of the government, his views changed. I do not know what deal he has done with the current government. His views may also have changed because of the change of route of the metro," ANI quoted Chitre as saying.

Many on Twitter slammed the actor for his comment.

“What exactly are you implying here Sir? You’re advocating for the Metro and justifying the Shed and telling us to plant trees? More than half of Bombay lives in flats, want us to plant trees in there? Unless you’re giving us all one Jalsa each, don’t sound so ridiculous pls,” wrote one user.

"Sir, if you may kindly reveal the truth behind your petrol diesel tweets during UPA II sarkar. I mean now that automobile industry is collapsing, fuel prises have hit all time high in 40-50 years, rupee is lowest, you are peddling solution to pollution. No more worry over fuel," asked another.

(With PTI inputs)