BMC has filed a non-cognisable report against the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) after finding 10 trees missing at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse during work linked to a proposed mini-clubhouse. The municipal corporation said the reported removals did not match the permissions granted by its Tree Authority and may violate provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
The non-cognisable report was filed at Tardeo police station on a complaint by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. According to the complaint, the Tree Authority’s permission allowed 13 trees to be cut, required 12 trees to be replanted and required 43 trees to remain on the racecourse premises.
During a municipal inspection, officials found that eight of the 43 trees marked for retention were missing. Two of the 12 trees designated for replanting were also reportedly not present, bringing the total number of missing trees to 10.
The BMC complaint further alleged that RWITC did not provide prior notice to the municipal corporation before starting tree-felling or replanting activities. Such notice was required under the state’s tree-protection law, according to the complaint.
The BMC garden department had earlier served a notice to RWITC stating that the trees fell within the area affected by construction work at the club. The notice said the club was expected to protect the trees and take necessary precautions while carrying out the project. It also stated that the trees had been cut down because of the club’s negligence.
RWITC responded to the municipal notice, but the BMC found the reply unsatisfactory, according to the complaint. The municipal corporation subsequently approached Tardeo police station for action.
The matter 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 Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh said the Tree Authority’s no-objection certificate should be withdrawn and that permission for the clubhouse construction should consequently be revoked.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.
BMC officials said further action now rests with the police. The non-cognisable report records the complaint and alleged violations, while the police response and any subsequent investigation will determine the next steps in the matter.
