03 August,2026 07:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The BMC lodged a complaint against the society`s office-bearers and developer. Representational Pic
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated legal action against two housing societies for allegedly violating tree conservation rules by damaging trees and carrying out pruning beyond approved limits, officials said on Monday.
The Mumbai civic body has registered separate police cases against DGM Sheetal Tapovan Housing Society Ltd near Dindoshi Metro Station in Malad East and Kalpataru Aura Housing Society Ltd in Ghatkopar West, reiterating that strict action will be taken against individuals, housing societies and developers found violating tree protection regulations.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane said Mumbai's trees are vital to maintaining the city's ecological balance and warned that no leniency would be shown to anyone found damaging trees or violating the conditions of permissions granted for tree pruning.
According to the BMC, an online complaint alleged that two trees outside DGM Sheetal Tapovan Housing Society had been deliberately damaged by injecting poisonous substances into them.
Following the complaint, officials from the Garden Department conducted a joint inspection with the complainant. During the inspection, they found around 20 to 22 holes drilled near the base of a Peltophorum tree along the road outside the society's entrance, indicating that poisonous chemicals may have been injected into the tree. Another tree near the society's second entrance was found completely dried up.
Finding prima facie evidence of deliberate damage, the BMC lodged a complaint against the society's office-bearers and developer.
A non-cognisable offence has been registered at Kurar Police Station under relevant Sections of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
In a separate case, the BMC received a complaint alleging that more than 100 trees inside Kalpataru Aura Housing Society Ltd in Ghatkopar West had been pruned beyond the limits approved by the civic body.
A site inspection found that although permission had been granted for tree pruning under specific conditions, the work carried out exceeded the approved limits.
The BMC has since registered a police case against the housing society.
The civic body reiterated that prior permission is mandatory before cutting, damaging or pruning any tree and that all approved conditions must be strictly followed. Violations attract penal as well as criminal action under the law.
Dr Dhakane said damaging trees, injecting poisonous substances into them, cutting or destroying them are punishable offences. He urged citizens to immediately report such incidents to the concerned municipal authorities and cooperate in protecting Mumbai's green cover.
The BMC said it will continue taking strict legal action against any individual, institution or developer found violating tree conservation rules to safeguard the city's environment.
