According to a report in Indian Express, the BMC has listed 632 more trees for axing in order to make an expanse for several infrastructure projects in Mumbai, taking the total number of trees on notice to 2,593.
The civic body had earlier invited suggestions and objections from the public with regards to the felling of trees on its website. The notice was issued on June 23 and the BMC had given seven days to its residents. However, due to the coronavirus induced lockdown, activists have been questioning this move by the BMC.
Zoru Bhathena, an environmental activist, speaking to the media stated the BMC is issuing notices at a time when people do not have full access to newspapers and are unable to visit sites. He further added that since there is a restriction on movement, notices pasted on trees have gone unnoticed.
The BMC is touted to give a hearing to its residents after receiving suggestions and objections from them. Moreover, after the hearing the civic body is to send the proposal to its Tree Authority, headed by the Municipal Commissioner.
In the past, back in 2019, protests in the Aarey colony had erupted after the authorities from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) allegedly started cutting trees in the area following Bombay High Court's dismissal of all petitions challenging the axing of trees. However, after videos of trees being cut at Aarey were circulated on social media, locals gathered at the site to protest. Calling the move "shameful and disgusting", Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray had also slammed the authorities further criticizing the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
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