The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has proposed removing a banyan tree over a century old on Balkum road for a civic project, igniting strong public backlash. Residents accuse the civic body of misleading the public and undermining green cover.
Controversy Over Tree Relocation Notice
The controversy erupted after TMC issued a notice inviting objections to the tree's relocation in the Kolshet area. Residents and activists alleged that key details—including the tree's age, species, and exact location—were omitted, making it difficult to file informed objections. They also pointed out discrepancies in the reasons cited for the move in different versions of the notice.
"While the Marathi notice cites drain work, the English version mentions road widening. Officials themselves appear unsure whether the tree qualifies for heritage status," said environment activist Rohit Joshi, alleging violations of the Maharashtra Tree Protection and Conservation Act and Bombay High Court directives issued in a 2017 public interest litigation.
Tree's Ecological Importance
Activists described the banyan as a "biodiversity anchor" supporting birds, insects, and bats, while helping regulate urban temperatures through carbon absorption. "Destroying such a tree would be an irreversible loss for a city already facing rising heat," Joshi said.
Alternative Proposals
Residents suggested alternatives, including clearing encroachments and illegal parking along the stretch to facilitate road widening without harming the tree. "If widening is necessary, the road alignment can be adjusted around the tree, as done elsewhere," another activist said. A few years ago, residents had successfully opposed the felling of a 300-year-old banyan tree.
The TMC has yet to respond to the allegations. The issue highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental conservation in rapidly growing cities like Thane.
