Vasai | September 8, 2026
Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has launched tree-trimming work ahead of Ganeshotsav, but residents and environmental activists have alleged that trees in Virar West are being cut excessively to make way for festival welcome arches and advertising banners.
The reported tree trimming has taken place along the main road between Gokul Township and Agashi. Residents say trees planted along both sides of the road had grown substantially and improved the appearance of the area. However, branches have been cut under the stated process of trimming, with locals alleging that the work amounts to widespread and disproportionate cutting.
The issue has raised questions about the balance between preparations for Ganeshotsav and the protection of urban trees. The report said the civic administration has been asking citizens to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner, while trees that obstruct banners and welcome arches are allegedly being cut in an improper manner.
Residents have also questioned the need for cutting trees between Gokul Township and Prakruti Hospital. According to the report, several of these trees are relatively short, stand on one side of the road and have small branches. Environmental activists and citizens have alleged that unnecessary and excessive trimming could damage the local environment and have demanded action against contractors and officials responsible for the work.
The report cited rules of the municipal tree authority under which tree trimming is required to follow a prescribed and scientific method. Residents have warned that unbalanced cutting could affect the stability of trees, potentially causing them to lean or fall. They also said the risk could increase during the monsoon if strong winds affect trees that have been improperly trimmed. These concerns remain allegations pending an official inspection.
Swati Deshpande, the municipal deputy commissioner responsible for the tree authority, said the department would conduct an on-site inspection of the locations where trimming had taken place. The inspection will examine whether the work was necessary and whether it followed the applicable requirements.
Deshpande said action would be taken if the inspection found that the trimming had been carried out solely to facilitate advertising. The municipal tree authority’s inspection is the next official step in determining whether the work was justified and whether any violation occurred.
