202 trees to face the axe in South Mumbai

City's green cover, which is on a permanent decline, will once again get slimmer if the Tree Authority passes the BMC’s proposal of chopping and replanting 202 trees for widening roads in G/South ward

City's green cover, which is on a permanent decline, will once again get slimmer if the Tree Authority passes the BMC’s proposal of chopping and replanting 202 trees for widening roads in G/South ward. Surprisingly, though the civic body has claimed it will replant the surviving trees, it is yet to specify the locations for the same.

Worli
As per the proposal, 65 trees will be affected at Dainik Shivneri Marg (east and west). While 35 trees will face the axe, the remaining 30 will be replanted. Some of trees that will either be chopped or relocated include almond, mango, coconut, neem and banyan trees. BMC’s Roads department had forwarded the proposal to the Tree Authority last week.

Lower Parel
At P B Marg (near Madhusudan Mill), the BMC plans to widen the road at the cost of 137 trees. While it promises to replant 74 trees, 63 trees will never see the light of day again, once the road-widening project commences.

Tree Authority members Dhananjay Pisal and Virendra Tandel visited the spots a few months ago and expressed satisfaction over the BMC’s proposal to relocate the affected trees and planting new trees after the authority was first intimated by the civic body about its plans to widen the road.

Official speak
Garden Superintendent Vijay Hire said, “I will personally visit these locations on Tuesday. A final decision on chopping of trees will be taken only after a thorough survey.

At P B Marg, a few societies have agreed to give place for replanting some of the project-affected trees. Moreover, we shall search for perfect locations for all the trees that can be replanted.”

Replanting policy
Last year, to avoid confusion regarding replantation, the BMC decided to name the locations where it intended to replant trees that would face the axe during execution of various civic projects.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!