Vasai | September 8, 2026 — Tree trimming carried out by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation ahead of Ganesh festival preparations has triggered protests from residents and environmental groups, who allege that branches are being cut excessively to make way for welcome arches and advertising banners.
The reported trimming has taken place along the main road between Gokul Township and Agashi in Virar West. Trees planted on both sides of the road have grown substantially and contributed to the appearance of the area, according to the report. Residents said branches were cut in the name of trimming even where the trees were relatively short, positioned on one side of the road and had small branches.
The criticism comes as municipal and administrative authorities appeal to citizens to celebrate an environmentally friendly Ganesh festival. Residents and environmental activists have questioned what they describe as a contradiction between those appeals and the cutting of green trees to accommodate festival structures and advertising displays.
Under tree authority rules cited in the report, tree trimming is required to follow a prescribed and scientific method. Local residents have alleged that the work in Virar was carried out in an improper and unbalanced manner. They said excessive or incorrect trimming could affect the balance of trees and increase the risk of them leaning or falling, particularly during the monsoon and strong winds.
The residents have demanded strict action against contractors and officials responsible if the trimming was undertaken improperly or solely to improve the visibility of advertising and political festival arches. The report does not establish whether the work was authorised for each location or identify the contractor involved.
Swati Deshpande, deputy commissioner of the municipal tree authority, said the department would conduct an on-site inspection of the locations where trimming had taken place. She said the corporation would examine whether the work was necessary and added that action would be taken if the trimming was found to have been carried out only for advertising purposes. The inspection and any subsequent action are the next official steps reported in the matter.
