BMC urges housing societies not to light Holi fire in common garden

BMC urges housing societies not to light Holi fire in common garden

The BMC has heeded the request of a green activist, and directed the housing society where she resides to not light the traditional Holi fire in the common garden, saying the flames damage and singe the nearby trees.

Meanwhile, the BMC has requested all citizens not to cut trees for Holi celebrations, and warned of legal action against those involved in unauthorised tree felling on March 13 being ‘Holi’.

The civic body amidst isuing a release on Tuesday evening, appealed to the citizens to contact the civic body or the Mumbai police or alert its toll free helpline number 1916.

For each offence of illegal cutting of trees, there is a provision to impose a fine of at least Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 on the person concerned. Along with that, the accused may have to face imprisonment of one week to one year, it added.

Dr Nandini Kulkarni, green activist of Vikas cooperative housing society in Malad West, revealed to the press that she had earlier requested her society to not light the Holi fire in the garden as the fire damages leaves and branches.

Now, it is learned that the BMC’s P-North ward office has also directed this, while understanding the need to protect greenery.

The gardens office of P-North ward has also forwarded Dr Kulkarni’s request.

She went on to reiterate that last year, there was a serious damage to their garden trees amidst the Holi fire. Hence, she is sincerely urging them to perform the ritual elsewhere.
Several green activists have also asked the public to not cut branches for the Holi fire, and ensure the birds’ nests on trees are safe amidst the festival.

According to BMC release “Under Section 21 of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975, it is an offence to cut down or cause to cut down any tree without the prior permission of the Tree Authority.”

News Edit KV Raman