The city police have warned of strict action against citizens chopping trees or branches for Holi bonfire. Police commissioner Rakesh Maria has asked all police stations to spread this message among the masses in their respective jurisdictions ahead of the festival which will be celebrated on March 5.
The city police have warned of strict action against citizens chopping trees or branches for Holi bonfire. Police commissioner Rakesh Maria has asked all police stations to spread this message among the masses in their respective jurisdictions ahead of the festival which will be celebrated on March 5.
The directive means action can be taken against the members of a housing societies if they damage trees on their premises for bonfires. Similarly, organisers of outdoor fires at public places and slum encampments will be liable for punishment for hacking trees during the festival of colours.
As per Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, cutting of tree is an offence. In case a need arises, one has to obtain the permission from the tree authority of the BMC. Violation of this could lead to a fine up to Rs 5,000 and/or seven days imprisonment.
“All police stations have been informed by the commissioner that during Holi season and after that trees or their branches should not be allowed to cut and proper planning should be made in this regard. Patrolling should be done along eastern and western express highways where trees have been planted by several private and public organisations,” said a senior police officer.
The cops have been been instructed to warn in advance those whom are suspected to be involved in felling trees within their jurisdictions.
“Citizens celebrating Holi should be held responsible for protection of trees in their area. If a tree or its branches are found to be cut in their locality, then they will be held responsible for it,” said the officer.
Green activists from organisations such as Friends of Trees, Tree Authority, Bombay Natural History Society and World Wide Life conduct regular patrols during Holi in various parts of the city to ensure that trees are not cut illegally. The officer added, “If they approach the police against tree cutters, then the local police should immediately take action.”
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