BMC asks police to act against those ‘killing’ trees in Matunga

In its letter, BMC informed police about having received a complaint about trees being ‘killed’ in Laxmi Ratan Society in Matunga West. “When this office inspected the spot, it was noted that the said tree was missing from the location. It is against the law to kill or chop off a tree without permission. Violators can be fined and even imprisoned.”

“We request you to conduct an enquiry into the matter and book the guilty under Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975,” BMC’s letter states.

According to complainant RTI activist Santosh Daundkar, he first complained about it in December 2022, at a time when many locals also complained to BMC about the ‘killing’ of trees in the area. But no action was initiated by the civic body. Daundkar told The Indian Express, saying “Acid was poured on the roots to kill the trees.”

In his complaint, Daundkar has also attached videos where an unidentified person on the street is seen saying that he was given Rs 20 to pour the acid on the roots. The man, who was inebriated as per Daundkar, said the people who assigned him the task assured him he would not get into trouble for ‘killing’ the trees. On March 20, Daundkar complained to BMC again, attaching photos.

A senior BMC official said, “We have asked police to file a complaint against those found guilty.”