Mumbai: BMC's move to illuminate 15,000 trees ahead of G20 meet sparks outrage among environmentalists

Mumbai: BMC's move to illuminate 15,000 trees ahead of G20 meet sparks outrage among environmentalists

Environmentalists and activists have asserted that electrical fittings will harm the trees.

FPJ News ServiceUpdated: Sunday, May 07, 2023, 07:23 AM IST
article-image
G-20 meet: BMC's move to illuminate 15,000 trees sparks outrage among environmentalists | ANI

While the city prepares to host G-20 delegates later this month, environmentalists are outraged by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) decision to illuminate 15,000 trees on the routes the dignitaries will take from the airport.

The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group will hold its second meeting in the city from May 23 to 25. Last week, municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal reviewed the preparations and directed the departments to complete the related works on time.

While speaking to Hindustan Times, municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said that the issue of illuminating 15,000 trees on five important roads was discussed with higher authorities.

Electrical fittings will harm the trees, claim environmentalists

Environmentalists and activists have asserted that electrical fittings will harm the trees.

Kaustubh Bhagat, a professor in environmental studies told Hindustan Times that when one installs lights on trees, they emit heat, and this is harmful. He further added that this is not allowed as per the Maharashtra Trees Act.

D Stalin from NGO Vanshakti told HT that trees are nesting and resting sites for birds and the lights would disturb them.

However, according to Chahal, the LED lights have a near-zero LUX level (a standardised unit of measurement of light level intensity) and do not emit heat and will also use very little electricity.

The civic body has issued a tender to permanently install LED lights in nearly 15,000 trees on five roads - from the airport to the Taj Hotel, BKC, Taj Lands End, Juhu Beach, and Worli - as part of a beautification plan.

RECENT STORIES

OctaFX Under Scanner For Laundering Funds Via Malaysian Shell Firms And Offshore Network

OctaFX Under Scanner For Laundering Funds Via Malaysian Shell Firms And Offshore Network

Navi Mumbai News: Injured Flamingos Left Behind In Nerul Wetland As Main Flock Migrates To Kutch

Navi Mumbai News: Injured Flamingos Left Behind In Nerul Wetland As Main Flock Migrates To Kutch

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Contractor Fined ₹10 Lakh For Flooding At Acharya Atre Chowk Station

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Contractor Fined ₹10 Lakh For Flooding At Acharya Atre Chowk Station

Mumbai News: Devotees Mark Guru Purnima With Rituals, Processions And Global Tributes To Spiritual...

Mumbai News: Devotees Mark Guru Purnima With Rituals, Processions And Global Tributes To Spiritual...

Maharashtra Introduces Public Security Bill To Curb Urban Naxalism; Opposition Warns Of Dissent...

Maharashtra Introduces Public Security Bill To Curb Urban Naxalism; Opposition Warns Of Dissent...