Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Tree Authority is set to consider a proposal to fell 35 trees and transplant 11 others to facilitate the proposed Ramabai and Kamraj Nagar Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in Ghatkopar East.The proposal, listed for consideration at the Tree Authority meeting on Aug 14, pertains to a plot at Ghatkopar Village No. 194/B (Part), Kamraj Nagar, where the proposed redevelopment project is being undertaken under the slum redevelopment scheme.According to the proposal, a survey found 90 trees on the site. Of these, 46 are likely to be affected by excavation and other work related to the project. The BMC has proposed felling 35 trees, transplanting 11 and retaining the remaining 44 trees.The trees proposed to be felled include peepal, coconut, rain tree, almond, vilayati chich and other species. Several of the trees are between 15 and 30 years old, with some having circumferences of up to eight feet.As compensation for the proposed removal, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken to plant 955 new trees on the same land within 15 days of the felling. The proposal states that the new trees will be at least six feet tall and comprise local species.The compensatory plantation is proposed across around 2,583 sq m of open space and 1,234 sq m reserved as a recreational ground. The applicant has also undertaken to maintain and conserve the newly planted trees for seven years.The proposal follows an application made by the MMRDA’s Town Planning Department in Jan 2026, seeking permission to remove 35 trees and replant 11. A physical inspection of the site was subsequently carried out by BMC officials.BMC said the tree permission process was being considered under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. An advertisement inviting objections and suggestions was issued in February, with notices also displayed on the trees proposed for removal.The Tree Authority has been requested to grant, conditionally grant or reject permission under Section 8(3) of the Act. The proposal also states that the prescribed fees, deposits and compensation will have to be paid before permission is granted.
