Mumbai commits 13 deadly sins every day

A city desperate for green cover still axes 13 trees every day. Last month, BMC okayed 4,000 tree cuts; environmentalists say replanting them is an eyewash

It's World Environment Day today and planting trees may be the order of the day. But, all of this is nothing, but hogwash. In a city that should be struggling to protect every inch of green cover, around 13 trees go under the axe daily and this number is increasing by the day.u00a0



And what's more shocking is that this has been approved by the BMC. In May, the BMC's Tree Authority received 57 proposals to chop 5,236 trees, of which the committee promptly cleared the hacking of 4,000 trees, informed officials from the civic body.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

All fall down

According to city environmentalists, on an average 5,000 trees are axed annually. Dr Vidyadhar Ogle, senior member, Friend of the Trees, an NGO working for the green cover in the city, said, "The Tree Authority has been giving a go-ahead to cut trees within minutes. Only recently, they passed a proposal for cutting down more than 2,500 trees at a go. This will cost the city dear."u00a0u00a0

In fact, the BMC substantiates Ogle's claim. Kumar Pande, chairman, Garden Department, said, "Last month, 4,000 trees were cut in the city. The administrative officers visit the site and check how many trees will have to be cut and send us the proposal. We rarely visit sites."

Grey matter

Dr Ashok Kothari, a veteran member of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), blames the rapid concretisation in the city for the depletion of the green cover. "Nearly 5,000 trees give way to some new construction, or road widening project every year," he said.u00a0u00a0

According to Kothari, replanting tress is an eyewash. "Wherever, trees have been replanted, the area has turned into a graveyard of green cover. Replanting trees is of no help when done haphazardly and the BMC does not know the technique," he added.

Bad air
Cutting down trees, only adds to the pollution levels in the city. According to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) reports, SO2 (sulphur dioxide) levels in Sion are 17 units, whereas the same in Mulund is 54. According to Sanjay Khandare, secretary, MPCB apart from industrial pollution, pollution from construction works is the major cause for the increase in SO2 levels in the city.

Going green today
>>Taj President will be planting saplings at the hotel's garden. Three special saplings will be planted, which would be dedicated to the people who lost their life in 26/ 11 attacks.
>>The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has set up 2,200 PUC check-up camps in more than 250 cities in India. 50 camps would be set up at various places in Mumbai.
>>Free saplings will be distributed at all ITC restaurants and also a special green menu will be served to veterans