Police complaints against those cutting trees illegally for Holi: BMC

In the run up to Holi, the BMC in an advisory on Tuesday said police complaints will be lodged against people found cutting trees illegally for the festivities. To prevent unauthorised felling of trees during Holi, civic authorities have urged residents to flag complaints either with the local police or on the BMC’s toll free number.

This year, the city will celebrate Holi on Friday, preceded by the Holika Dahan rituals on Thursday when devotees light huge pyres. With many resorting to the illegal cutting of trees for wood, the BMC has tightened its grip against violators. According to officials, the BMC will register a police complaint against offenders found demolishing trees illegally. In an advisory issued Tuesday, the civic body has appealed to residents to refrain from cutting trees during Holi period.

Action will be taken under section 4 of the Maharashtra Trees Protection and Conservation Act, 1949, which states that cutting trees without permission of concerned authorities is a crime. Under the provisions, the authorities can imprison offenders for a period of one week to a year, while a penalty of between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 can also be imposed.

“In Mumbai, every effort should be made to ensure that greenery is enhanced. We need to protect trees and therefore, all citizens should cooperate,” said Jeetendra V Pardeshi, superintendent of the Gardens and Tree Office at BMC.