Activist challenges Thane tree removal notice, seeks fresh survey

Environment activist Rohit Joshi has flagged alleged lapses in the Thane Municipal Corporation Tree Authority's notice seeking public objections to displacing 339 trees for the MMRDA's Kasarvadavali, Kharbao creek bridge project. The notice proposes cutting 242 trees and transplanting 97, but the project developer's Form C application and GPS inventory reportedly list all 339 for cutting.

Joshi questioned the identification of nine trees marked as unidentified and raised concerns over removing about 70 ecologically important trees without assessing their significance. He noted no tree authority has been formed in Thane and no public representative is on the panel.

"We have sought an independent assessment of the trees likely to be displaced including detailed disclosure of transplantation and plantation sites, else we would approach the high court," Joshi said. A response from the civic administration was awaited.