THANE, Oct. 5 -- Hundreds of Thane residents took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the proposed Thane Internal Ring Metro (TRIM), raising concerns over the cutting of more than 3,200 trees, displacement of 1,400-1,500 families, the proposed alignment passing closer to residential societies and schools, and what they described as inadequate consultation with citizens. Braving temperatures of around 36degC, residents held silent marches and demonstrations at multiple locations across the city, carrying placards and demanding that Maha Metro reconsider the proposed alignment and examine alternatives that would cause less disruption to neighbourhoods, greenery and pedestrian spaces. At Barrister Nath Pai Marg, more than 500 residents from housing societies along the proposed route participated in a silent march that began at Khewra Circle on Sunday morning. Residents said the road already faces considerable traffic congestion and that senior citizens and children frequently struggle to cross it. They also pointed out that Nath Pai Marg is already a developed road with greenery along its median and on both sides, as well as footpaths and a well-maintained carriageway. They fear that an elevated metro corridor would alter the character of the road, reduce greenery and compromise pedestrian space. The residents have urged authorities to examine alternatives, including diverting the proposed corridor towards Foothill Road, constructing the metro underground or exploring other feasible alignments instead of routing it along Nath Pai Marg. A similar protest was held by residents of Hiranandani Estate, who demanded that the proposed route be shifted behind the TCS campus rather than passing through the residential complex. Residents said they should not be made to bear the consequences of what they described as poor planning. Opposition to the project has also intensified over its potential impact on trees and forested areas. Environmentalists and citizen groups are preparing to approach the Bombay High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), citing concerns over the scale of tree cutting and the environmental impact of the proposed corridor. Augustine Kasber of the Thane Citizens Foundation, who approached the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, "Regardless of the larger debate surrounding the TRIM, SGNP should not be considered an alternative corridor for the project."...