BMC Faces Public Backlash Over Proposal to Cut 96 Trees for Pipeline in Andheri East
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing mounting opposition from local residents and environmental activists over its proposal to remove 96 fully grown trees in Andheri East for the replacement of the Maroshi to Sahar Water Main Pipeline. The notice regarding this proposal, issued by the Tree Authority on January 16, has ignited strong objections, with several stakeholders urging a reconsideration of the plan.
While the BMC insists that the tree removal is necessary for the replacement of the old pipeline, environmentalists argue that the decision could result in significant ecological harm. Activist Godfrey Pimenta raised concerns about the necessity of felling so many trees and suggested that the civic body should consider alternative solutions to mitigate environmental damage. He proposed rerouting the pipeline or using trenchless technology as viable alternatives that would avoid disrupting the local green cover. “If tree removal is absolutely unavoidable, the BMC should prioritise transplantation over cutting down the trees,” Pimenta said. However, he expressed reservations about the survival rates of transplanted trees in Mumbai’s urban environment, pointing out that many transplanted trees struggle to thrive in new locations. In a letter to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Minister of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Pimenta urged the authorities to reconsider their decision and explore more sustainable options that would minimise damage to the city’s vital tree cover.
Local residents also voiced his opposition, drawing attention to the broader issue of environmental conservation in Mumbai. “Water supply is a basic necessity, but trees are equally crucial for maintaining the city’s ecology,” he said, highlighting that just last year, Malabar Hill residents successfully opposed the cutting down of 389 trees for the reconstruction of a century-old reservoir in the Hanging Gardens. The project was ultimately scrapped after significant community resistance, setting a precedent for local efforts to protect the city’s greenery. The controversy surrounding the proposed pipeline replacement underscores the tension between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in Mumbai. While the city’s need for reliable water supply infrastructure is undeniable, many believe that the loss of mature trees could exacerbate environmental issues, such as air pollution, heat islands, and the depletion of Mumbai’s already shrinking green spaces.
As the BMC continues to move forward with its urban development projects, the residents and activists hope that the authorities will reconsider their approach and find a way to balance development with environmental protection. The Tree Authority’s final decision on this matter will be crucial in determining whether Mumbai’s green cover will suffer further losses or whether alternative solutions will be explored to safeguard the city’s environment for future generations.