Mumbai: Residents demand action as tree threatens safety

Full view of the tree. Pic/Satej Shinde

A tree on Subhash Road in Vile Parle East that was recently destroyed by drilling holes and pouring acid, poses a potential danger to pedestrians in its current condition. Nitin Dicholkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) representative, brought this to attention by writing a letter to the BMC and Vile Parle Police station. An FIR has been filed against the owner of the Gald Quest building under various sections of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act. Locals are urging authorities to replace the tree due to the risk it presents.

"We demand that the tree be replaced by another tree. The fact that BMC is not even cutting down the tree, poses a threat to the community and people who pass by it as it can fall at any time. Also, the police should take quick action and apprehend the accused," said Dicholkar.

A long-time resident said "This tree has stood tall since my childhood. While proper action against the developer is necessary, the immediate priority should be to cut down the dead tree. Even if BMC plants 10 new saplings, they can't instantly replace the oxygen this tree provided over the years until the saplings mature into trees."

Senior PI Renuka Buva stated, "We are actively investigating to identify those responsible. We are confident in making an arrest soon." Regarding the threat posed to locals by the dead tree, she mentioned, "We will officially inform the BMC and urge them to take necessary action. Our officials have already visited the site, and BMC will be promptly notified of the situation."

Adv Godfrey Pimenta from Watchdog Foundation addressed the BMC and Police commissioner via email, expressing concern. "Despite a complaint lodged with the K East Ward office, minimal response or investigation has occurred. We urge a thorough investigation and swift action," said Pimenta. Pimenta further emphasised the need for prompt response to ensure the safety of locals, suggesting the planting of a new tree and stringent action against those accountable.

A source from the gardens department K-East ward said, "The Vile Parle police are investigating the matter. We are not cutting down the tree in order to avoid destroying evidence. As soon as we get a green light from the police, we will cut down the tree."

A source from the gardens department K-East ward while talking to midday said, "We have registered a formal complaint about the incident and the vile parle police are investigating the matter. Since the matter is under investigation, in order to avoid destroying evidence, we are not cutting down this dead tree. As soon as we get a green signal from the vile parle police station, we will cut down the tree."

When asked about replacing the existing dead tree, the source added, "Even we want that the place allotted for a tree should be kept for a tree. Rest assured; we will be replacing the dead tree with a new tree soon."

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Age of the tree destroyed