Activist urges Bombay High Court to stay arbitrary chopping down of trees under garb of monsoon preparations

Mumbai: An activist has approached the Bombay High Court alleging ‘arbitrary’ chopping down of trees by various authorities under the guise of monsoon preparedness. The activist has accordingly sought a stay on the cutting of trees across Mumbai.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Riyaz Chagla has been petitioned by activist Zoru Bathena claiming that the BMC and its officials are on a tree-hacking spree throughout Mumbai. He has accused the civic body and its officials of flouting norms laid down under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act.

In his plea, Bathena has claimed that the BMC has granted a blanket permission to authorities like railways, Metro, Monorail and others to cut any tree for trimming without seeking prior permission of the civic body. His plea reads, “The BMC has granted a blanket permission to MSEB, Tata Power, Reliance Energy, Airport Authority, Central and Western Railways, Monorail and Mumbai Metro to cut any tree for trimming without seeking prior permission from the civic body’s Tree Authority. Such sweeping powers to cut a branch can be misused and ought not to be permitted.”

“The officers of the Tree Department and their contractors are hacking and damaging practically every tree they can lay their hands on. Unofficially, the department staff have informed me, that the civic chief has issued strict instructions to prevent tree-fall during the ensuing monsoon season. Thus, the staff has gone on a carnage to fell every tree in sight to save their jobs,” Bathena has claimed in his petition.

The plea further claims that the junior officers of the Department are issuing letters purported to be ‘permission to cut a tree’, which is in complete contravention of the provisions of the Tree Act. Bathena apprised the bench headed by Justice Oka, of his contentions, however, the bench refused to grant an urgent hearing and posted his plea on June 12.