104 trees likely to be removed for Versova-Bandra Sea Link project.

As many as 104 trees will have to be felled to make way for the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which is executing the project, has submitted a proposal to the tree authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The tree authority has invited suggestions and objections.

The VBSL project is already embroiled in controversy as it requires the removal of around 1,500 trees in mangroves. Besides, the Supreme Court recently dismissed an MSRDC petition seeking permission to set up a casting yard at Juhu beach.

Of the 104 trees, the MSRDC proposal calls for cutting 58 trees and transplanting the rest. The trees are in Bandra Carter Road, Seven Bungalows (near Nana Nani Park) in Versova, and Juhu Koliwada, near Sunil Dutt garden, Santacruz (W). These three sites are where the sea link will join the main land through connectors. The trees need to be removed for building these connectors

Environmentalist Zoru Bhathena, who has been fighting against destruction of these mangroves, has also appealed to people to submit objections to the proposal. “The MSRDC’s environmental clearance had only mentioned the removal of mangroves. There was no mention of tree cutting. We will oppose the proposal in court if passed by the tree authority,” Mr. Bhathena said.

Shankar Dhote, chief engineer and project in-charge of the MSRDC, said, “The trees are located either on private premises or in the BMC land. They are not in forest land. Then why should we take permission of the forest department? As per rules, we will take permission of the tree authority.” Those who want to submit suggestions or objections can do so before May 16. They can send them to ‘Superintendent of Gardens and Tree Officer, VJB Udyan, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Byculla (East), or email to sg.gardens@mcgm.gov.in. A public hearing will be held on May 21.

However, the constitution of the tree authority itself is on hold, following litigation. The HC had prohibited the authority from taking decisions until it appoints experts to its panel. The BMC has finalised four experts to be part of the authority, but their appointment needs to be ratified by the court and the HC needs to formally allow the tree authority to undertake operations before any decision is made.

THE HINDU