The BMC or any contractor cannot trim any trees, including road-side trees, without written permission from the Tree Officer mentioning the tree number and size of branches to be cut for trimming.
With BMC readying themselves for their annual pre-monsoon tree trimming activity, green activists are worried about random and haphazard pruning carried out by BMC contractors, and have begun asking citizens to keep a close watch and even call the police in case the contractors do not have valid permissions.
Speaking to DNA, activist Zoru Bhatena said tree pruning has emerged as a major threat to the city's green cover. "A lot of people keep questioning about improper tree trimmings and even want to take up these cases but do not know how to go about it hence we are actively using social media to spread awareness on what should they do if they see any tree or branch being cut in the city."
Bhatena added that the BMC or any contractor cannot trim any trees, including road-side trees, without written permission from the Tree Officer mentioning the tree number and size of branches to be cut for trimming.
"Having permissions is mandatory and it includes the tree number, type of tree, size, girth and even mentions if it has to be cut or transplanted. In case of trimmings the BMC permissions has details like the girth and length of each branch to be cut and citizens can raise this issue and even file complaints," he said, adding that he has also cited his twitter handle (@Zoru75) and even asked people to post pictures so that even he can follow up such cases.
Stalin D, Director, Projects for NGO Vanashakti who has been raising the issue of Mumbai rapidly losing its trees due to the tree department's unscientific approach, said that it's not only activists who can raise issues related to tree trimmings or cutting but even common citizens have rights to question the authority. "Everyone has to play a role to save the city's green cover hence it's important to not allow the massacre of trees in the name of pruning in different areas," he said.
Activists claimed that one of the most common excuses given by contractors when asked for permissions is that someone has taken it or their supervisor has it and he is unavailable. However, a senior official from BMC's Garden department said that permissions are mandatory and as per the rule a junior tree official is present at such sites and in case people have any issues they can contact the ward office.
FOR AWARE CITIZENS:
- See a copy of BMC Tree Authority's permission. Permission will also say whether the tree has to be cut or transplanted and also mention the girth & length of each branch to be cut (random branches cannot be cut without permission).
- Application for cutting/payment towards cutting are not same as permission granted. Permission letter will specifically say that permission is granted.
- If no permission is shown, call 100 and inform cops. They will come and have this checked and stop the work if illegal.
- Tweet a picture of tree cutting work-in-progress, with postal/google address to @MumbaiPolice
- Dont hesitate or delay. A tree takes just a few minutes to get cut.
- If tweet is marked to @Zoru75 it can be followed up too.
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