The BMC has proposed the removal of 96 fully grown trees for the replacement of the Maroshi to Sahar Water Main Pipeline in Andheri East. A notice regarding this has been posted on the trees by the Tree Authority, informing residents about the proposal. However, local residents and activists have strongly opposed the plan, urging the Tree Authority to reconsider its decision.
The notice, issued by the Tree Officer of the Tree Authority on January 16, has sparked objections. Activist Godfrey Pimenta, in a statement, questioned the necessity of cutting down such a large number of trees for the pipeline replacement. He urged the BMC to explore alternative solutions that would minimize environmental damage, such as rerouting the pipeline or using trenchless technology.
Pimenta said, "If tree removal is unavoidable, the BMC should prioritise transplantation rather than felling the trees." However, he expressed concerns over the low survival rates of transplanted trees in Mumbai, highlighting the environmental risks. In a letter addressed to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Minister of Environment and Forests (MoEF), he urged to reconsider its decision and explore more sustainable alternatives."
Jayesh Deodhar, a local resident, expressed his concerns, saying, "Though water supply is a basic necessity, trees are also crucial for the ecology. Last year, the local residents of Malabar Hill strongly opposed the reconstruction of a century-old reservoir, which would have led to the cutting of 389 fully grown trees in the Hanging Gardens. Following the opposition from the community, the proposal was scrapped by civic body.
