To 
Supdt. of Gardens & Tree Officer
2nd Floor , Humboldt Penguin Bldg
V.J.B Udyan & Zoo, Sant Savta Mali Marg
Byculla  E, Mumbai 400027

Sub : Objection to the proposal of Cutting trees in Sub plot of land bearing CTS No. 32,34,34/1 to 34/6,35, 35/1 to 211 67B, 67B, 53 & 54 of Vilage/Div Pasploi, Powai, Mumbai in S ward

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hereby submit my formal objection to the proposal advertised by BMC Tree authority for the removal of 176 trees and transplantation of 146 trees in Indian Institute of Management formerly known as NITiE.

The proposal to cut / transplant 322 trees to build a student activity Centre, Academic Building, Girls Hostel and Residential building in the campus raises serious questions concerning the necessity, proportionality and environmental consequences, particularly given its location in close proximity to Vehar Lake. The mere fact that this is an expansion of the campus infrastructure does not dispense with the statutory obligation to protect existing trees, examine the feasible alternatives and demonstrate that the proposed loss of green cover is unavoidable. Developing infrastructure and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive objectives. The expansion of the infrastructure must be designed and executed in a manner that minimizes irreversible ecological damage. This would also benefit the students and the staff of the IIM.

I specifically object to any permission being granted without disclosure of the complete tree census, species wise inventory, age and girth particulars, health assessment, precise location and proposed treatment of every tree. The proposed transplantation of 146 trees cannot be treated as an environmentally equivalent substitute of preserving mature trees in their existing locations, especially if the transplanted trees are not planted in the immediate vicinity. Authorities must examine the species, maturity, root structure, transplant ability and suitability of receiving sites post transplantation maintenance and accountability for failure.

Unfortunately, there is nothing on record to indicate why the 176 trees that are proposed to be cut are also not being transplanted. Also, there is nothing on record to indicate what criteria is in place to determine which trees are to be cut and which trees are to be transplanted.

When the city is experiencing water scarcity, near drought and famine like situation, urban heat, loss of permeable surface, the preservation of vegetation and soil moisture must form an integral part of the infrastructure planning and specially so in locations that are in immediate proximity to our drinking water sources.

I request the Tree Authority to take the objection on record and refrain from granting final permission until objections and supporting technical details have been fully considered and made available in the public domain.

The objective of this objection is not to oppose essential infrastructure development but to insist responsible, transparent and environmental friendly development.