Despite smog and heat, Mumbai okays removal of 7,633 trees in five months

Mumbai, a city battling poor air quality and escalating temperatures, has approved the removal of 7,633 trees over the past five months. The decision, made by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Tree Authority, was made to clear space for civic projects and private redevelopment works. The Tree Authority, reinstated in April following a four-year break, granted permissions to cut 3,502 trees and mark 4,131 trees for cutting and transplantation. These permissions were approved during eight meetings held between May 8 and October 5.

The majority of the tree removal was for infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Coastal Road, Dharavi Redevelopment, and the Orange Gate tunnel project. Some private redevelopment projects also sought tree removal. The Tree Authority, with 13 elected and up to 10 nominated members, oversees tree-related permissions in Mumbai.

Agencies submitting proposals identify the trees along their project alignments and submit inventories to the Tree Authority. These proposals, cleared after multiple reviews and public consultations, ensure the protection of Mumbai's green cover while allowing for necessary development.