The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has filed a police complaint against unidentified individuals accused of attempting to destroy at least seven trees along Kalyan’s Smart City road using the drill-and-poison method. The Khadakpada police registered a non-cognisable offence under Section 21 of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
Incident Details
KDMC garden superintendent Sanjay Jadhav confirmed that a panchnama was conducted, revealing that seven trees had been targeted. “Since this is a criminal offence, we lodged a police complaint. Police will now investigate the matter,” Jadhav said.
The incident came to light after local environmentalist Dinesh Salve received a tip from his friend Kunal Sonawane about suspicious holes at the base of trees between D B Chowk and Ganesh Mandir. Upon visiting the spot, Salve discovered drilled holes in the trunks of several fully grown trees. He noted that when water was poured into the holes, a sticky substance oozed out, suggesting the use of chemical toxins to dry up and kill the trees.
Social Media Outrage
Salve posted a video of the affected trees on social media, which quickly went viral, sparking outrage among local residents and environmentalists. Taking cognisance, Mayor Harshali Chowdhary Thavil ordered an inquiry and assured strict action against those responsible. KDMC’s garden department head Sanjay Jadhav said they have examined CCTV footage and other evidence from the area.
Smart City Road Concerns
The D B Chowk-Ganesh Mandir stretch was developed under the Smart City project, featuring pedestrian pathways, beautification works, tree plantations, and Kalyan’s first dedicated cycling track. However, residents have repeatedly raised concerns about increasing hawker encroachments along this stretch over the past few months.
Salve, who works for tree conservation and claims to have planted 150 to 200 trees in Kalyan, alleged that earlier attempts were made to occupy portions of the Smart City road through encroachments. The investigation is ongoing.
