In a startling turn of events, residents of Santacruz West in Mumbai are up in arms after a centuries-old baobab tree was abruptly felled overnight, allegedly without any prior notice or consultation.
The tree, a rare species native to Africa and a unique sight in the city, stood near the intersection of Saraswati Road at the Podar School traffic signal, an area slated for Metro 2B construction. Despite previous opposition to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) proposal to remove the tree during Metro work in 2021, residents were shocked to find it gone on Sunday, with the surrounding road swiftly concreted over. This move has sparked outrage among locals, who argue that the tree posed no obstruction to the ongoing Metro project. Historically significant, baobab trees were introduced to Mumbai around 500 years ago by Portuguese traders and hold cultural and environmental importance. The sudden loss of this particular specimen has reignited concerns over urban development’s impact on Mumbai’s green spaces and biodiversity.
Furthermore, the tree census conducted in 2008 identified 120 baobab trees across the city, highlighting their scattered presence in various neighbourhoods. Despite their rarity, baobabs are valued for their unique characteristics, including their ability to store water and nutrients, making them vital components of Mumbai’s ecosystem. Amidst the controversy, reports indicate a larger pattern of tree removals for the elevated Metro line project, with over a thousand trees already cut and thousands more slated for removal. Despite attempts to reach the Metro spokesperson for clarification, no response has been forthcoming, leaving residents and environmentalists seeking answers and accountability in the wake of this ecological loss. Officials Confirm and told media that the full clearance granted by Tree Authority. But there wasn’t any recent notice. I doubt the authorities are aware of the importance of this tree. There wasn’t any sign of it left at the location.” Activist Aditi Kane said, “The tree was a living monument and mascot of our neighbourhood. It didn’t pose a hindrance to the Metro work. When we inquired about the incident,
