Mumbai: A non-cognisable offence has been registered against Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) after BMC found 10 trees ‘missing’ on Mahalaxmi Racecourse premises.As per the permission granted by BMC’s tree authority to facilitate the construction of a proposed mini-clubhouse, 13 trees were to be cut, 12 were to be replanted and 43 were to remain on the site. However, during an inspection, it was found that eight of the 43 trees that were to be retained and two of the 12 trees that were to be replanted were missing.According to the NC filed at Tardeo police station on a complaint by BMC, RWITC also did not provide prior notice to the municipal corporation before commencing felling or replanting of trees, which was a violation of the provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.The notice served earlier to RWITC by BMC’s garden department stated that the trees were within the scope of the construction work being carried out by the club. RWITC was expected to protect the trees and take necessary precautions during the construction. However, it was observed that the said trees had been cut down due to its negligence, the notice stated.While RWITC responded to the BMC notice, its reply was found to be unsatisfactory, following which the NC was filed at Tardeo police station.Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh said, “The no-objection certificate of the Tree Authority should be withdrawn and accordingly, permission for the clubhouse construction should also be revoked.”Activist Santosh Daundkar said, “A proper investigation should be carried out regarding the trees and a case should be registered.”BMC officials said that it is now for the police to take necessary action.
