New Delhi (Agency): On Friday, the Maharashtra legislative assembly approved a bill that grants local tree authorities the power to permit the felling of all types of trees, without having to consult with the State Tree Authority.
The opposition, the Shiv Sena (UBT), raised doubts about the wisdom behind the amendment. However, the ruling BJP blamed the party led by Uddhav Thackeray for hindering progress. The bill, which alters the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, still requires approval from the legislative council.
The existing law demands that the Maharashtra State Tree Authority be consulted when applications are made to cut down more than two hundred trees that are five years old or older, or trees classified as ‘heritage’. The new amendment enables local tree authorities to make such decisions independently.
When presenting the bill, the government expressed its belief that facilitating business operations is key to promoting growth and attracting investors. The state government explained that the Union government is steadily encouraging business through decentralization of power, reduction of required permits, and prompt approvals in various sectors.
During the bill’s discussion, BJP MLAs Ashish Shelar, Atul Bhatkhalkar, and Ameet Satam criticized Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister, for introducing the earlier amendment to the Act and establishing the State Tree Authority. Shelar accused the Shiv Sena of resisting numerous significant projects in Mumbai, including the Metro, coastal road, and Bullet train. He humorously suggested that the party might soon advocate for bullock cart transportation in Mumbai.
Shelar further accused Aaditya Thackeray of proposing the earlier amendment, creating the State Tree Authority, to enhance his image as an environmental activist, and to ensure all related files were handled by the state government headquarters.
Thackeray countered by explaining that the State Tree Authority’s role was to identify heritage trees and determine the need for their removal, how much they should be cut, and the required compensation. He emphasized that tree experts are part of the Authority. Thackeray argued that “There can be ease of doing business only if there is ease of living,” and pointed out that despite several meetings held by the State Tree Authority since January 2022, development has not been halted.
The State Tree Authority permitted the felling of 11,500 trees, including 300 heritage trees, and mandated the transplantation of 5,400 trees, Thackeray disclosed. He added that projects like the Metro, Samruddhi Expressway, Mumbai Trans-harbour Link, and coastal road were not impeded during the reign of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, of which he was a part. He stressed the need for a balance between development and environmental protection.
Other assembly members, including Congress MLAs Prithviraj Chavan, Varsha Gaikwad, and Nana Patole, and NCP’s Jayant Patil, emphasized the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection.
In response to the debate, Environment Minister Deepak Kesarkar confirmed that the amendment reestablishes the powers of local tree authorities, which handle not only tree felling but also conservation. He assured that all suggestions raised during the debate would be taken into consideration.