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◆ An attack on the existence of a living tree; violation of environmental regulations
◆ A new formula for tree murder? A building erected right through a tree!
◆ Questions raised over the role of the Garden Department, R North Ward, and the Town Planning Department that issued the occupancy certificate
◆ Tree lovers suspect the functioning of the Town Planning and Garden Departments
◆ An inquiry into the building approval and occupancy certificate process is necessary

◆ RCC construction right through a living tree
◆ Were iron rods or concrete inserted into the tree? Demand for an inquiry
◆ Did officials inspect the site when granting the occupancy certificate?
◆ Did the Garden Department follow tree protection rules?
◆ Was permission obtained from the Tree Authority?
◆ Demand for an expert audit of the tree’s health
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A shocking aspect has come to light regarding the construction of a residential building in the Shailendra Nagar, Owripada area of Dahisar East, under the R North Ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Photographs show that construction was carried out right through a living tree adjacent to the building, raising serious questions about the functioning of the corporation’s Garden Department.
According to photographs from the site, a fully living tree, many years old, is standing virtually attached to the building’s structure. RCC construction appears to have been done within the tree’s natural growth area, and it initially appears that iron rods or concrete have been used inside the tree trunk. Tree lovers are demanding an independent inquiry into this.
More seriously, it is reported that the building has received an ‘Occupancy Certificate’. If this is true, the question arises: did the Town Planning Department, the Building Proposal Department, and the concerned officials overlook this clearly visible tree-related irregularity during the final inspection of the building? According to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and tree conservation regulations, any damage to a tree, pruning, or construction that threatens its existence requires necessary permissions and expert opinions. However, here a building has been constructed within a living tree, and no public report is available on the impact this has had on the tree’s health.
According to local residents, if an ordinary citizen cuts a tree branch without permission, action is taken against them. So, while RCC structures were being built within a living tree in a large construction project, what exactly was the corporation’s Garden Department doing? Did the officials in the R/North Ward of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation inspect this work? And if so, under what conditions was permission granted? Citizens now want answers to these questions.
Tree lovers have demanded that a health check of the tree be conducted by expert arborists. A technical examination should be done to see if iron rods or concrete have been inserted into the tree trunk or structure. All permissions granted for the construction, approvals from the Tree Authority, and inspection reports should be made public. A departmental inquiry into the approval process of the project should be conducted. If a violation of tree protection rules is found, a cognizable offense should be registered against the responsible officials and related parties.
This incident in Dahisar is not just about one tree; it is a test of Mumbai’s claims of tree conservation and the corporation’s environmental responsibility. Demands are now intensifying for an independent inquiry into this construction built around a living tree and strict action against those responsible.
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Questions also raised about the systems that granted the OC?
When granting an Occupancy Certificate to a building, compliance with fire safety, building regulations, environmental conditions, and approved plans is checked. In such a situation, if an OC was granted for a building with a living tree literally embedded in its construction, the role of the officials who granted the approval also falls under suspicion. There is a demand for an inquiry into the relevant file to check what records were made during the OC approval process.

Shailendra Nagar

Shailendra Nagar is a locality in Mumbai, India, named after the renowned Indian poet and lyricist Shailendra. It was established as a residential colony for film industry workers, reflecting the cultural ties to Hindi cinema. The area is part of the broader Film City complex in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

Owripada

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Shailendra Nagar

Shailendra Nagar is a residential locality in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, named after the famous Hindi poet and lyricist Shailendra. The area developed primarily in the mid-20th century as part of the city’s urban expansion, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Its name honors Shailendra’s significant contributions to Indian cinema and poetry, linking the neighborhood to the region’s rich literary history.

Owripada

Owripada is a locality in Mumbai, India, known for its historical significance as a site of early Christian missionary activity. It is home to the St. Michael’s Church, built in the 19th century, which served as a center for the local Catholic community. The area’s name is derived from the Marathi words for “camel” and “foot,” possibly referencing a historical landmark or trade route.

Dahisar East

Dahisar East is a suburban neighborhood in Mumbai, India, located near the boundary of the city and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Historically part of the larger Dahisar village, its name is derived from “Dahisar,” meaning “two rivers” in the local dialect, referencing its position between the Dahisar River and a creek. Today, it is a rapidly developing residential and commercial area, known for its proximity to the national park and as the starting point of the Western Express Highway.

R North Ward

R North Ward is a historic neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, known for its diverse community and architectural heritage. Originally settled in the 19th century, it became a hub for European immigrants and later for African American and Latino populations, shaping its rich cultural identity. The area features notable landmarks like the Newark Museum and Branch Brook Park, reflecting its evolution from an industrial center to a vibrant residential district.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the governing civic body of Mumbai, India, and is one of the oldest municipal corporations in the country, established in 1888. Its iconic Gothic-style headquarters, located opposite the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, was completed in 1893 and serves as a prominent landmark. The BMC is responsible for the city’s infrastructure, public health, and education, playing a crucial role in Mumbai’s development from a colonial port city into a global metropolis.

Garden Department

The “Garden Department” is not a widely recognized historical or cultural site. It likely refers to a retail section within a store, such as a home improvement or department store, that sells plants, gardening tools, and outdoor supplies. Without additional context, it does not have a notable history or cultural significance as a specific location.

Town Planning Department

The Town Planning Department is a government agency responsible for regulating land use, urban development, and building permits within a specific jurisdiction. Its history often reflects the evolution of modern city planning, emerging in the 20th century to manage rapid urbanization and ensure orderly growth. Today, it plays a key role in balancing development with environmental and community needs.

Tree Authority

The “Tree Authority” likely refers to a government or municipal agency responsible for the management, preservation, and regulation of trees in urban or natural environments, such as a city’s tree department or forestry service. These authorities often oversee tree planting, maintenance, and removal policies, with roots in early 20th-century urban planning movements that recognized trees’ environmental and aesthetic value. Their history varies by location, but many emerged in response to deforestation or urban development, aiming to balance growth with ecological stewardship.