Cut one tree, plant two of same height…..Urvashi Seth
BMC issues new rules to maintain green cover after it finds builders planting tiny saplings to replace tall trees; foreign species to be replaced by Indian ones
BMC issues new rules to maintain green cover after it finds builders planting tiny saplings to replace tall trees; foreign species to be replaced by Indian ones
The BMC has decided to put new stringent measures in place to ensure that the city does not lose its green cover.
The rule of planting two trees for every tree cut has been strengthened with the Garden Department of the civic body making it mandatory for the new trees to be of the same height and species as the tree that was cut.
This was decided after members noticed that builders would get away with planting tiny saplings in place of trees as tall as 15 feet in order to obtain a no- objection certificate.
The department has also specified that if trees of foreign species are cut, they will have to be replaced by Indian ones as they are more suited to the environment.
“We found that people cut tall trees and plant small saplings in exchange. From now on, however, they will have to plant trees of the same height and of the same species.
This will prove expensive for them but one needs to understand the value of the green cover,” said Chandrashekhar Rokde, deputy municipal commissioner (gardens).
“The green cover is already deteriorating in the city and if enough measures are not taken, Mumbai will turn into a barren land,” said U N Singh, horticulturist and member of the Tree Authority, which has asked for stringent action against violators.
“The new rules will be difficult to follow but we will try. It would be good if the BMC gives us a list of species of trees that we can plant to replace the tree that was cut as it won’t always be possible to find two trees of the same height and the same species,” said Sunil Mantri, president, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry.
Did you know?
In nearby cities like Pune and Nashik you have to plant three trees for every tree hacked
In nearby cities like Pune and Nashik you have to plant three trees for every tree hacked
Green Check
On an average, over 5,500 trees are cut in the city every year. A survey conducted by the BMC has revealed that there is one tree for every five people in the city against the international norm of having two trees for every person.
On an average, over 5,500 trees are cut in the city every year. A survey conducted by the BMC has revealed that there is one tree for every five people in the city against the international norm of having two trees for every person.