15 July,2023 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
One of the banyan trees
Promptly responding to environmentalists' plea to save three large banyan trees facing destruction in Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has referred the matter to the Assistant Inspector General of Forests under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC).
The NatConnect Foundation, upon learning about the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) allegedly planning to cut down the heritage trees near the Shreyas Cinema traffic junction, directly approached the Prime Minister through his portal.
B.N. Kumar, the director of NatConnect, highlighted the significance of trees, especially the heritage banyan trees, to the PM, who is known for his love for the environment.
Kumar urged the Prime Minister to intervene and instruct the Maharashtra Government and BMC to explore alternative routes for the RoB (Road over Bridge) project, thereby saving the trees. He emphasized the long life and slow growth of banyan trees, criticizing the mentality of destroying them in a matter of hours without considering their importance.
Additionally, Kumar called for immediate sensitization of urban planners about the vital role trees play in preserving the environment, particularly in the face of global warming.
The response from the PMO, which referred the issue to the Assistant Inspector General of Forests, has been welcomed by NatConnect. As the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the state, the AIGF, Dr. Shobhita Agarwal, forwarded the complaint to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Department of Forest and Wildlife, Government of Maharashtra, for necessary action.
Dr. Agarwal explained in her response that the protection and management of forests primarily fall under the responsibility of state governments and Union Territory administrations. She highlighted the existence of robust legal frameworks, such as the National Forest Policy 1988, Indian Forest Act 1927, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, and state-specific Tree Preservation Acts and Rules, which guide the regulation of tree felling.
Environmentalists remain hopeful that the joint efforts of the Maharashtra government and the central government will heed the rational voices and save the trees from being cut down.
