The construction of the Metro 3 car depot at Aarey will begin soon, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday, confirming that the government has given the official nod to resume the work. Meanwhile, his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, dismissed former environment minister Aaditya Thackeray’s allegations that Mithi river would flood because of the car shed.

The previous government had shifted the car shed site to Kanjurmarg, following protests against disturbing the ecosystem in Aarey. Environmentalists and local residents have protested again after the new government, soon after being sworn-in last month, announced it was moving the depot back to Aarey.