Mumbai: BMC asks Kandivali society to pay Rs 57,600 for tree trimming
Around forty families live in Palm Spring that was developed in 2004-05. According to the residents, the old trees were there much before the society came up.
Residents of the Palm Spring society in Charkop in Kandivali west were shocked after they were asked to cough up Rs 57,600 for tree trimming when they approached Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Since the society does not have adequate funds for the same, the residents have no option but to live with the dangerous trees.
Around forty families live in Palm Spring that was developed in 2004-05. According to the residents, the old trees were there much before the society came up. "There are around four to five trees with dead branches which need immediate trimming," said Rambali Tripathi, secretary of the society.
Tripathi said that the society is not in a position to pay such a huge amount for tree trimming, thus they have decided to live with them. "We have never thought that such a big amount would be required for tree trimming," he said.
In June, the Garden Department of R South Ward issued a notice to the society for mandatory tree trimming as part of monsoon preparation. Following BMC's notice, the society submitted letter and photograph of all trees within society premises. After a visit of the society, the department the sent cost of the tree trimming to be paid in advance.
There 13 Ashoka trees, four Gulmohar trees, four Peltophorum trees and 12 Palm trees in the society. During the inspection, the team found that a few tree branches have entered some roos through windows of the building and these need to be trimmed to bring down the weight of the tree. The department also suggested some immediate measures to avoid any fatal incident.
As per the law, BMC trims trees which fall in its jurisdiction while in private land, owners have to pay for it. Tripathi said that he will take the matter to Ward Committee as they cannot bear the cost. Shivkumar Jha, chairman of ward committee of R South said that he will seek more details as the amount is very high. A senior civic official from the ward said that the charge has been decided as per la. However, a proposal is with the state government to use corporate fund for tree trimming.
JUSTIFIED
As per the law, BMC trims trees which fall in its jurisdiction while in private land, owners have to pay for it. Thus, the charge has been decided as per law, said a senior civic official from the ward