File pic of Mahalaxmi racecourse
Missing Trees Lead to Investigation at Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Mumbai’s Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is under scrutiny after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) discovered that 10 trees are unaccounted for at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
The BMC had previously authorized the removal of 13 trees to make way for a new mini-clubhouse, stipulating that 12 would be replanted and 43 would remain on-site. However, an inspection revealed that eight of the retained trees and two designated for replanting were missing.
This situation has resulted in a non-cognisable offence being registered against the RWITC, raising concerns about compliance with environmental regulations and the management of the racecourse’s landscaping.
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, according to the NC filed at Tardeo police station on a complaint by BMC.
However, it was observed that the said trees had been cut down due to its negligence, the notice stated. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh said, “The no-objection certificate of the Tree Authority should be withdrawn and accordingly, permission for the clubhouse construction should also be revoked.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.
RWITC was expected to protect the trees and take necessary precautions during the construction. its reply was found to be unsatisfactory, following which the NC was filed at Tardeo police station While RWITC responded to the BMC notice. Download the TOI App.
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.