Citizens need to be vigilant, ensure presence of tree officer

Mumbai: After the Bombay High Court refused to grant a stay on the felling of trees for the Metro III Project on Friday, citizens and activists feels that they need to be vigilant and ensure that trees are cut only in the presence of a Tree officer, as laid down by the court, to ensure that wrong trees are not cut.

Rochair Bansal, who is a part of the group trying to save trees said, “We are feeling a little short-changed as trees are being felled even before the committee is formed. Today, the judges emphasised, once again, that when the tree cutting is taking place, the residents should make sure that it is taking place in the presence of a tree officer, or they should stop it. In this way, we will be to minimise the loss of trees before the committee is set up.”

Worli resident Kunal Birwadkar, who filed the intervention application seeking a stay, said, “On Friday, the BMC’s lawyer told the court that henceforth, a Tree Officer would remain present when trees are cut. A tree officer was supposed to be present even be0fore. So what about the harm which has already been caused?” He said that he had submitted photographs to prove his claim but his petition has been deferred till June 5 for further hearing. “I really can’t say what further steps I will take to save the trees as of now,” he added.

Nina Verma, who filed the main petition, said, “It was a big disappointment for us. I don’t think we are planning anything more as the legal recourse is over. We will now have to think about re-planting. As far as saving trees is concerned, I don’t think we can do anything more.”

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) spokesperson said, “MMRCL is strictly following legal process as approved by the tree authority.”