SC allows BMC to cut trees, insists on strict replanting

GMLR PROJECT | The court warned that any official entrusted with the task of undertaking compensatory afforestation will be dealt with sternly if they are found negligent in their duties

- FPJ News Service

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Tree Authority to consider a fresh BMC request to fell additional trees for the Goregaon—Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, on the condition that compensatory afforestation is carried out scrupulously.

Earlier, on July 29, the court had permitted the civic body to cut 95 trees in Film City for the same project. However, on October 27, a bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai criticised the poor implementation of compensatory afforestation in Mumbai and warned the Maharashtra government that it could revoke all previous permissions for tree cutting granted for projects such as the Mumbai Metro and GMLR.