Activists slam BMC plan to cut sole tree outside building owned by Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Green activists have objected to the BMC’s proposal to cut the solitary tree outside a commercial building owned by actor Salman Khan on Linking Road, Khar, saying it should not be “killed” just for a better view of the structure.
Earlier the BMC had stated there was no hindrance to accessing the building, which helped it secure an occupation certificate (OC) last year. Last week, though, the BMC issued a public notice, saying there was a tree outside the building, which the owner wanted cut and that citizens can submit their suggestions and objections to the proposal by Thursday.

Khan has rented out the building to a retail company, which runs a food products store.

Activist Zoru Bhathena said, “The tree is on a footpath and does not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian movement. It might be obstructing the building’s view because of which they want it cut. Instead of rejecting such a request, the BMC is helping the building’s owner get rid of the tree. We have strong objection to the proposal.”

Bhathena further said, “The BMC and the fire brigade had earlier given their NOCs to the building as there was no hindrance to its access. But now, they just want to remove the tree.”

Khar activist Anandini Thakoor said, “Why do they want to cut the tree when it does not obstruct either vehicular or pedestrian movement? We are in favour of protecting trees.”

A professional associated with the building told TOI the tree is right outside the building gate and it has been creating hurdles to movement of big vehicles. He said, “We want to remove the tree for safety purposes as it can obstruct movement of fire vehicles in emergency situations, which would put lives of around 200 staffers in the store and others at risk. We have requested that the tree be cut for safety reasons. We will be happy if the BMC can provide us with the option of transplanting it elsewhere.”

BMC officials said though the tree had been on the footpath for years before the building was constructed and occupation permissions were issued, initially the owner did notice that it would obstruct vehicular movement during emergencies.

BMC officials said the owner had approached them a few months ago to seek permission to get the tree cut and that they had accepted his request.

For cutting any tree, one needs to seek the BMC’s permission. The civic body accepts a proposal inviting public suggestions and objections to it before putting it up before the BMC’s tree authority, a body of experts and public representatives, for final approval.