Mumbai: BMC files FIR over poisoned trees in Powai

Dried trees in Powai due to alleged poisoning. Pic/Rajesh Gupta

The BMC's S Ward has registered an FIR against an unknown person who allegedly poisoned trees on Jain Mandir Road, Powai. Residents in the area allege that some individuals deliberately poisoned three fully-grown trees to improve the visibility of a digital billboard. The matter came to light when BMC representatives approached the Powai police station to register three separate FIRs. The garden department of the civic body alleged that unknown individuals either cut or poisoned the trees in 2023.

According to the BMC, one large coconut tree and two fenugreek pod trees were allegedly poisoned by unknown persons. "We received a complaint in October last year that some trees were poisoned. One coconut tree from Paradise Society and two trees from the nearby area were affected. We found holes in the trees during our investigation. Initially, a non-cognisable (NC) report was registered, which was later converted into FIRs. The trees have dried up in the Paradise Society," said a BMC official.

"The digital hoarding was installed six months ago, and soon after, some people came and applied something to the trees. We thought they were BMC representatives. After a few days, we noticed holes in the trees, and they gradually dried up. The hoarding is in a residential complex. We approached the BMC and reported the incident," said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

"We suspect that chemicals were injected to improve the billboard's visibility. The damage caused by poisoning the trees is irreversible, and we demand a thorough investigation and appropriate action by the police," said another resident, Momina Khan.

According to the police, three FIRs were registered due to three reported instances of tree poisoning. "The BMC came to register an FIR as three instances had been reported on Jain Mandir Road. We are investigating the matter. If we find that digital hoarding is involved, we will take action," said a police officer.

Currently, unknown persons have been booked under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
Senior PI Jitendra Sonawane of Powai police station said, "The BMC approached us to register three FIRs for trees that were either poisoned or cut. The FIR was registered on May 16. We are thoroughly investigating the matter."

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No. of FIRs registered