Mumbai’s Tree Authority has approved proposals involving the removal and transplantation of more than 1,000 trees across three major infrastructure and redevelopment projects, a decision that has sparked criticism from some members of the authority.
The largest impact will be seen along the proposed elevated corridor connecting Chedda Nagar in Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar, a significant transport infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Thane while easing travel times. A total of 621 trees fall within the project’s alignment, of which 218 are slated to be cut down permanently and 403 are proposed for transplantation.
Another major proposal relates to the redevelopment of MHADA’s Motilal Nagar project in Goregaon. Surveys conducted by the BMC’s garden department between December 2025 and April 2026 identified 1,761 trees within the project area. Of these, 89 trees are scheduled to be felled, while 131 will be relocated, taking the total number of affected trees to 220.
In Bandra, redevelopment activities are expected to impact an additional 239 trees, according to the approved proposals.
The recommendations were placed before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Tree Authority earlier this month. Following an adjournment of its June 17 meeting, members reconvened on June 19 and granted approval to the projects, despite opposition from some quarters.
Shiv Sena (UBT) representatives voiced concerns over the scale of tree loss, particularly along the Eastern Express Highway corridor. “The proposal along Eastern Express Highway was vehemently opposed by us as hundreds of trees will be completely eliminated. We questioned why there was a need to completely cut the trees instead of more transplantation as well as where the wood from the impacted trees will be taken,” said corporator Kishori Pednekar, a member of the Tree Authority.
Defending the decision, BJP leader and Tree Authority member Ganesh Khankar said project officials had provided adequate explanations for the tree removal. “The elevated corridor has been a long demand for locals and the development of the project will bring significant relief to commuters,” he said.
Source: Swarajya
