BMC Tree Authority to Review Proposal to Cut 35 Trees in Ghatkopar East

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Tree Authority is scheduled to take up a proposal to fell 35 trees and transplant 11 others in Ghatkopar East to clear the path for the Ramabai and Kamraj Nagar Slum Rehabilitation Authority redevelopment project.

The proposal concerns a plot situated at Ghatkopar Village No. 194/B (Part) in Kamraj Nagar. A survey conducted for the redevelopment initiative identified 90 trees on the plot, with 46 expected to be impacted by excavation and construction activities. Under the civic proposal, 44 trees are to be retained, while 35 are slated for felling and 11 for transplantation.

The trees identified for removal include peepal, coconut, rain tree, almond, and vilayati chich. Several of these specimens are estimated to be between 15 and 30 years old, with some measuring circumferences of up to eight feet.

To offset the proposed felling, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has committed to planting 955 trees of local species on the same site within 15 days. The development authority stated that the replacement trees will be at least six feet in height.

The planned plantation will cover approximately 2,583 square metres of open space along with 1,234 square metres of land reserved for recreation. The applicant has also committed to maintaining the newly planted trees for a duration of seven years.

MMRDA submitted its application to remove 35 trees and transplant 11 in January 2026, prompting subsequent site inspections by civic officials. The proposal is being evaluated under the provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.

The BMC invited public objections in February and fixed notices directly onto the trees earmarked for removal. Under Section 8(3) of the Act, the Tree Authority may grant, conditionally grant, or reject permission, subject to the payment of prescribed fees, deposits, and mandatory compensation.