Thane residents stage ‘Chipko’ protest to save over 400 trees

THANE: A group of residents and tree lovers from the developing Kolshet area of Thane staged an impromptu campaign reminiscent of the Chipko movement on Sunday morning to save nearly 400 plus trees scheduled to be relocated or axed for a road widening project along the stretch.
The motley group of residents, including women and children said they were shocked after knowing that around 431 trees, including a few that are over 50 years old will be transplanted elsewhere while a few will be axed to widen the existing Kolshet road.
This displacement of the green cover from the stretch without any public hearing irked the locals who staged an impromptu signature campaign seeking support from locals and nature lovers on Sunday morning.
Residents said the entire roughly 1.5km-long stretch has one of the densest green cover in the city and also has a rare tree Urvashi (Amhersia nobilis) of Burmese origin, which is possibly the only one in the entire city. The residents said that though the tree is not scheduled to be displaced, it still is in danger due to construction works.
“We were told the corporation was planning to cut and transplant around 431 trees for widening of Kolshet road. The plan is disastrous and we are demanding modification to safeguard the trees,” said Poornima Kagal, a participant.