Row over tree felling at Borivli

MUMBAI, Jan 25: Can the Forest Department cut trees in the city without the permission of the Tree Authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipa...

MUMBAI, Jan 25: Can the Forest Department cut trees in the city without the permission of the Tree Authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC. No, says the BMC. Yes, insist the forest authorities. The confusion came to light when over hundred trees were cut this month at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli.

The Forest Department has recently cleared a large patch of land near the entrance of the Borivli park by cutting down trees to make way for a park-cum-botanical garden. While Deputy Conservator of Forests A R Bharati stated that the forest office is itself a tree authority and does not need any permission from the BMC, the civic officials maintained that any tree in the urban area comes within the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Urban Areas Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 under which it has been constituted the Tree Authority.

The BMC Tree Authority has got the sole powers to sanction cutting of trees within the urban area, stated a member adding that since the part cleared atBorivli Park is within city limits, the Forest Department ought to have sought permission from the BMC. Gardens Superintendent K L Velodi told Express Newsline, 8220;I had written to the forest authorities seeking an explanation about the felling of trees. However, there was no response.8221; He emphasised, 8220;The Preservation of Trees Act applies to every authority.8221; Sources said oral orders issued by the civic officials to stop work were ignored.

However, Bharati claimed that he did not receive any letter from the BMC adding that he himself has powers to give permission to cut trees in areas outside the municipal jurisdiction. However, he was quick to add that the trees that were cut were Su-Babool trees which were of no worth. 8220;We are soon coming up with a kind of a botanical garden on the 10 acre plot, where we will plant a large number evergreen trees of lesser known species.8221; The Su-Babools, considered to be afforestation trees which regenerate rapidly, were planted in the early 1990s to cover theun-utilised area.

Bharati pointed out that the plot was falling prey to encroachers and was being used a public toilet. He admitted that the park area was being badly maintained and the fencing at the border was broken.

However, he informed that the park authorities will be beautifying the area next to the park entrance by planting hundreds of saplings and making a water cascade at the centre leading to the lake behind the park with lawn and flowers planted on either side. 8220;Lesser known botanical species available in the interiors of the park like Sita Ashoke, Behada used in ayurvedic medicines, Alwa, Kusum and Payas used as a dye in rural areas will now be planted there to spread awareness about our forests,8221; he said.