Vasai | September 8, 2026 — The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s tree-trimming drive ahead of Ganeshotsav has come under scrutiny after residents and environmental groups alleged that branches were cut improperly to make space for festival welcome arches and advertising banners. The civic body’s tree authority has said it will inspect the locations and determine whether the trimming was necessary.
The reported trimming took place along the main road between Gokul Township and Agashi in Virar West, including the stretch between Gokul Township and Prakruti Hospital. According to the report, trees planted along both sides of the road had grown substantially and added to the area’s greenery. Residents alleged that branches were cut under the stated pretext of tree maintenance, but that the work amounted to excessive and unauthorised cutting.
The complaints have emerged as the civic administration appeals to residents to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an environmentally responsible manner. Environmental activists and citizens have questioned the contrast between those appeals and the cutting of green branches near locations where festival arches and advertising banners are expected to be installed.
Residents cited in the report said some of the trees in the affected stretch were relatively short, stood on one side of the road and had small branches. They questioned why extensive cutting was required in those locations. They also called for action against contractors and officials responsible if the work is found to have been carried out without proper justification.
Under the rules cited in the report, tree trimming is required to follow a specific and scientific method. Residents alleged that unbalanced cutting could affect the stability of trees and increase the risk of branches or entire trees falling during heavy rain and strong winds. These concerns are particularly relevant because the trimming has reportedly taken place during the monsoon period.
The report did not establish the number of trees or branches affected, the name of the contractor involved, whether written permissions were issued, or whether a formal assessment was conducted before the work began. It also did not include a response from advertisers, festival organisers or other agencies that may have sought clearance for banners and arches.
Swati Deshpande, deputy commissioner of the municipal corporation’s tree authority, said the department would conduct an on-site inspection of the places where trimming had taken place. She said the inspection would examine whether the cutting was genuinely necessary and added that action would be taken if it was found to have been carried out only for advertising purposes.
The next step is the civic inspection of the affected trees and a determination by the tree authority on whether the trimming complied with applicable requirements. The municipal corporation’s findings will establish whether further administrative or penal action is warranted.
