Residents and environmental activists in Vasai-Virar have objected to what they describe as excessive and unscientific tree trimming carried out ahead of Ganesh festival preparations, prompting the municipal tree authority to announce an inspection of the affected locations.
The trimming has been reported along the main road between Gokul Township and Agashi in Virar West, including the stretch between Gokul Township and Prakriti Hospital. According to the report, branches of trees planted along both sides of the road were cut while preparations were under way to install welcome arches and advertising banners for the festival.
Residents allege that the work went beyond routine maintenance and that healthy branches were removed to prevent trees from obstructing the visibility of banners and arches. They have questioned the contrast between public appeals for an environmentally responsible Ganesh festival and the cutting of roadside trees for festival-related displays.
The report states that some of the trees near Gokul Township and Prakriti Hospital are relatively short, stand on one side of the road and have small branches. Residents and environmental activists have therefore questioned whether the extent of trimming was necessary. They have also demanded action against contractors and officials responsible for cutting trees in what they describe as an improper manner.
Under tree authority rules cited in the report, pruning is required to follow a prescribed and scientific method. Residents fear that unbalanced cutting could affect the structural stability of the trees. They have warned that trees cut heavily on one side could become vulnerable to strong winds during the monsoon and may be at greater risk of leaning or falling.
The allegations have not been established through an independent technical assessment. However, Swati Deshpande, deputy commissioner of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s tree authority, said the department would conduct an on-site inspection of the locations where trimming had taken place. The inspection will examine whether the pruning was necessary and whether it was carried out for advertising purposes, according to the report.
Deshpande said action would be taken if the inspection found that the trimming had been undertaken solely to facilitate advertising. The municipal assessment is expected to determine whether the work complied with applicable tree-pruning requirements and whether further action is warranted.
