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By:

Minal Sancheti

2 May 2026 at 12:26:53 pm

BMC under fire over tree cutting plan

Mumbai: On May 29, the BMC decided to cut 1900 trees for Versova-Bhayandar Link Road. The decision saw a massive uproar by the opposition as well as the environmentalists concerned about the city’s rising temperature and unpredictable climate. The BMC has claimed that Mumbai’s civilisation is growing rapidly, and to keep up the pace, the city needs more roadways. This is important as current infrastructure is lacking capacity to handle the traffic. “To create this infrastructure, we will have...

BMC under fire over tree cutting plan

Mumbai: On May 29, the BMC decided to cut 1900 trees for Versova-Bhayandar Link Road. The decision saw a massive uproar by the opposition as well as the environmentalists concerned about the city’s rising temperature and unpredictable climate. The BMC has claimed that Mumbai’s civilisation is growing rapidly, and to keep up the pace, the city needs more roadways. This is important as current infrastructure is lacking capacity to handle the traffic. “To create this infrastructure, we will have to cut 1900 trees. We will replant 700 trees, and 1200 trees will be cut,” said Ganesh Khankar, the BJP group leader in the BMC. “We will plant 3000 plants in Panvel. We are also planning to implement the rule to plant at least one tree in the 45000 housing societies of Mumbai.” Bansari Kothari, an environmentalist, claimed that this infrastructure may not be the best plan for the city. “The trees that will be compensated will be in Panvel. But the trees will be cut between Versova and Bhayandar. So the citizens of Versova and Bhayandar will lose their tree cover. Thus, it does not give proper justification. For the development of the coastal road that benefits only two to three percent of the population, we cannot cut trees that benefit 100 percent of the population,” she said. The environmentalists have claimed that these trees are precious and invaluable. The age of some of these trees is 35 and 60 years and more. The authorities have promised to plant 3000 trees in Panvel, but these are just small saplings and will take at least 25 to 30 years to grow and become a tree. Former mayor and opposition leader Kishori Pednekar said development is important but not at the cost of the environment. “Mumbai will become a desert. How will they stop that? Development is important but not by destroying nature. Development is necessary. We need metros and monorails but not at the cost of the environment,” she said. Environmentalist Stalin D, president of an NGO Vanashakti, warned that the consequence of cutting trees at this rate can create many problems for the citizens of Mumbai. “India will be badly affected by the climate crisis; despite that, if we don’t take action, then it will be too late. They are planning to make the city like Dubai. The same heat in the afternoon where nobody can get out of the house. Everything is barren. People dying for water.”

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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