Activist Flags Discrepancies in Thane Notice for Kasarvadavali Bridge Trees

Environmental activist Rohit Joshi has flagged alleged lapses in a public notice issued by the Thane Municipal Corporation Tree Authority regarding the displacement of 339 trees for the Kasarvadavali–Kharbao creek bridge project.

The civic body's notice invited public objections while proposing the felling of 242 trees and the transplantation of 97 trees. However, Joshi noted that the project developer's Form C application and GPS-based inventory list all 339 trees entirely for cutting, pointing to a direct contradiction in the official documentation.

Joshi also raised questions regarding the tree survey methodology, pointing out that nine trees were listed merely as "unidentified." In addition, he raised concerns regarding the planned removal of approximately 70 ecologically important trees without any formal assessment conducted to gauge their ecological significance.

The activist highlighted systemic issues within the local administration, pointing out that no formal Tree Authority has been constituted in Thane so far and that the panel lacks public representation.

Demanding an independent assessment of all trees likely to be displaced by the bridge project, Joshi sought detailed disclosures regarding the designated transplantation and compensatory plantation sites. He stated that citizens would approach the High Court if the civic administration fails to address these concerns.

A response from the Thane civic administration regarding the allegations was awaited.