BMC plans to fell, transplant 632 more trees for infra projects

As it did for those trees, the BMC invited suggestions and objections from the public for the second lot, on its website. The notice was issued on June 23 and the civic body gave seven days to residents. Activists, however, are questioning the publishing of notices during the lockdown. Speaking to The Indian Express, activist Zoru Bhathena, said: “The civic body is issuing notices during lockdown, when people don’t have full access to newspapers, can’t visit sites and can’t do anything to check the proposals. Since there is restriction on movement, notices pasted on trees go unnoticed.”

Of the 632 trees, half will make way for Metro projects at seven locations. After receiving suggestions and objections, the BMC will give a hearing to residents and send a proposal to its Tree Authority, headed by the municipal commissioner.

A senior official from the BMC’s garden department said, “We have followed procedure… suggestions and objections that we receive after the deadline will also be included. Tree Authority members will decide on them.”