The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has lodged a complaint with the NM Joshi Marg Police Station in Lower Parel against unidentified people for illegally cutting 15 taman trees in the vicinity.
The trees in question were situated opposite Phoenix Mills and were around 20 feet high, officials said. However, the hacking of the trees has resulted in them being only 6 feet tall.
It is reported that this illegal activity might have gone on unnoticed as the view of the trees is usually obstructed by a row of buses.
Read - NGO Says Non-Scientific Cutting Of Trees At Lokhandwala Lake Has Damaged Its Natural Habitat
Opposition BJP has taken up the Shiv Sena-led BMC over the matter, with some claiming that the trees were illegally cut to improve visibility of the advertising hoardings behind them along the street.
BJP MLC Pravin Darekar visited the location on Sunday accompanied by BJP City President and MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
“On the one hand, there is a dearth of oxygen today, and on the other, trees which are a source of oxygen are being hacked… We need answers,” Darekar said.
Responding to the allegations, an unnamed BMC official quoted by TOI said, “The hoardings are on railway land. We have also informed railway officials.”
The BMC recently appointed a tree surgeon to determine the health of the trees in Mumbai and chart a feasible course of action for their conservation after the impacts of Cyclone Tauktae.
Also read - Mayor Kishori Pednekar Says Trees Should Not Be Planted On Footpaths
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