BMC To Decide On Felling 35 Trees For Ghatkopar SRA Project

The BMC Tree Authority is set to decide on a proposal to fell 35 trees and transplant 11 others to make way for the Ramabai and Kamraj Nagar SRA redevelopment project in Ghatkopar East.

The project, located at Ghatkopar Village No. 194/B (Part) in Kamraj Nagar, requires the removal of trees to facilitate excavation and construction work. A survey conducted for the project found 90 trees on the site, of which 46 are expected to be affected by the work.

The BMC has proposed retaining 44 trees, while 35 would be felled and 11 transplanted. The trees proposed for removal include species such as peepal, coconut, rain tree, almond, and vilayati chich. Several of these trees are estimated to be 15-30 years old, with some having circumferences of up to eight feet.

In an effort to compensate for the loss of trees, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has committed to planting 955 trees on the same site within 15 days. The new trees will be at least six feet tall and will consist of local species.

The proposed plantation will span about 2,583 sq m of open space and 1,234 sq m reserved for recreation, with the applicant committing to seven years of maintenance. The MMRDA applied for permission to remove 35 trees and transplant 11 in January 2026, and BMC officials subsequently inspected the site.

The proposal is being examined under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. The BMC invited public objections in February and placed notices on the trees marked for removal. The Tree Authority can grant, conditionally grant, or reject permission under Section 8(3), subject to payment of the prescribed fees, deposits, and compensation.

The decision to fell trees for development projects is a contentious issue in Mumbai, with many residents and environmental groups advocating for the preservation of the city's green cover. The BMC Tree Authority's decision on this proposal will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for future development projects in the city.

The Ramabai and Kamraj Nagar SRA redevelopment project is one of several ongoing projects in Ghatkopar East, aimed at providing better housing and infrastructure to residents. While the project promises to improve the quality of life for residents, it also raises concerns about the impact of development on the environment.

In recent years, Mumbai has seen a surge in development projects, with many of them requiring the removal of trees. The city's tree cover has been dwindling, and efforts to plant new trees have been underway to compensate for the loss. The BMC Tree Authority's decision on this proposal will be a significant step in balancing development with environmental concerns.

The outcome of the proposal will have significant implications for the city's environment and residents. The decision to fell trees or not will set a precedent for future development projects, and will impact the city's green cover and biodiversity.

The BMC Tree Authority's decision is expected to be made on Friday, and will be closely watched by residents and environmental groups. The decision will determine the fate of the 35 trees proposed for removal and will have a significant impact on the city's environment.

In conclusion, the BMC Tree Authority's decision on the proposal to fell 35 trees for the Ramabai and Kamraj Nagar SRA redevelopment project will be a significant step in balancing development with environmental concerns. The decision will have far-reaching implications for the city's environment and residents, and will set a precedent for future development projects.