A non-cognisable offence has been registered against the Royal Western India Turf Club after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation found 10 trees missing at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse during work linked to a proposed mini-clubhouse, according to the complaint filed at Tardeo police station.
The trees were covered by permissions issued by the BMC Tree Authority for the construction work. Under the approved arrangement, 13 trees were to be cut, 12 were to be replanted and 43 were to remain on the site. During an inspection, municipal officials found that eight of the 43 trees marked for retention and two of the 12 trees designated for replanting were missing.
The BMC complaint alleges that RWITC did not give the municipal corporation prior notice before tree felling or replanting began. The action was described as a violation of provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
A notice issued earlier by the BMC’s garden department said the trees fell within the area affected by construction work at the club. According to the notice, RWITC was expected to protect the trees and take precautions during construction. Municipal officials stated that the trees had been cut due to the club’s negligence.
RWITC submitted a response to the BMC notice, but the civic body found the explanation unsatisfactory. The complaint was subsequently filed at Tardeo police station. BMC officials said further action would now be taken by the police.
The case has drawn calls for a closer examination of the permissions granted for the project. Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh said the Tree Authority’s no-objection certificate should be withdrawn and that permission for the clubhouse construction should consequently be revoked. Activist Santosh Daundkar called for a proper investigation and registration of a case concerning the trees.
The municipal complaint does not establish the final responsibility for the missing trees. The police are expected to take necessary action on the allegations, while the status of the Tree Authority permission and the proposed construction remains subject to the authorities’ next steps.
