Mumbai: Nearly six months into its formation, the position of experts with the Brihan-mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) tree authority are yet to be filled. Yet, the authority has been regularly clearing tree-cutting and transplantation proposals for various development and infrastructure projects in the city. The tree authority, which issues permits and regulates hacking of trees in Mumbai, does not have a single tree expert. Currently, the autono-mous body, headed by the municipal commissioner, has 14 other members — all corporators, and hasn’t nominated anyone to the 10 positions reserved for experts. According to provisions of the Maharash-tra (Urban Areas) Preser-vation of Trees Act, 1975, the tree authority has to nominate non-councilor members who are experts in botany, horticulture or agriculture. However, despite inviting applications, no response has been received.
Yashwant Jadhav, senior Shiv Sena corporator and BMC house leader, said that dearth of experts was due to strict implementation of norms required for their appointment. “We want to ensure that the rules are implemented strictly. However, we have received no response from any experts,” he said.
Previously, graduates or diploma-holders in agriculture, forests or gardens, who were associated with a national-level NGO working in the environment sector and registered with the state's social forestry department were eligible. The NGOs were required to have at least five years’ experience.
