Mumbai: BMC wants to chop 85 trees in Andheri for new drains

The BMC has proposed the removal of 85 trees in Andheri East, for laying of new storm water drains.

The civic body has stated that the area near Andheri and the Western Express Highway metro stations can see waterlogging since the drains here have been damaged.

Therefore, new underground pipelines have to be laid and the trees have to make way for them. Officials have now invited objections from citizens in one week, failing which the process will go ahead.

The BMC undertakes several developmental works in the city, which require the removal of trees.

According to procedure, the removal of trees requires the permission of the tree authority, which comprises civic officials, corporators and citizens. Once passed, the authority then invites objections from citizens before a final go-ahead is given.

On Friday, the Authority put out a public notice calling for the removal of a total of 97 trees.

These include three trees in Bandra West, two in Kalina and one in Majas that are obstructing traffic.

Another six trees will be removed for the proposed construction of a substation and parking shaft in Bharat Nagar, Bandra East. But the largest number is that in Andheri East.

A good 85 trees are going to be removed on the Andheri Kurla road, near Andheri and WEH metro stations.

However, a BMC official said the trees will be transplanted.

"After the construction of the Metro, the drains here got damaged underground. It can lead to waterlogging in the future. To prevent that, major work of putting new drains is being undertaken here. It will take a few months and requires the removal of trees. But the trees will be transplanted," said Devendra Jain, assistant commissioner, K/East ward.

Objections can be sent to the Superintendent of Gardens and Tree Officer, VJB Udyan, Byculla (east), Mumbai.

A hearing on any objections will be held in the same office on March 4. Last date of submission is next Friday.