The BRICS TimesThe Supreme Court expressed displeasure over poor compensatory afforestation work in Mumbai. The court warned the Maharashtra government that all tree-cutting permissions could be revoked.
SC Threatens to Cancel Tree Cutting Permissions
The Supreme Court was unhappy with Maharashtra’s poor compensatory afforestation work in Mumbai. On Monday (October 27, 2025), the court warned the Maharashtra government. It stated it might revoke all previous tree-felling permissions. This includes permits for projects like Mumbai Metro Rail and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR).
The bench of Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran issued directions. They instructed the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to hold a meeting with all stakeholders. The Chief Secretary must then present a concrete proposal. This proposal should detail steps to ensure the full implementation of compensatory afforestation. The top state official must file an affidavit on or before November 11.
Court Unhappy with Afforestation Efforts
The bench showed its displeasure when informed about inadequate attention to compensatory afforestation. The court emphasized the need for balance. It said “development of the country” must be balanced with preserving the ecology in cities like Mumbai.
The judges were hearing a new petition. This was filed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC sought permission to fell trees for the GMLR project. The top court had earlier allowed the municipal body’s tree authority to fell 95 trees. This permission was given on August 14. Initially, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the BMC tree authority, mentioned the requirement. He said over 1,000 trees needed felling for the GMLR project.
Activists Raise Alarm: ‘Saplings are Dying’
Mr. Rohatgi explained the plan further. He said 632 of these trees would be transplanted. The remaining 407 trees would need permanent cutting. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for the activists opposing the felling. He alleged that compensatory afforestation is a mere “sham.” He claimed one-foot-high saplings are planted and then neglected. He said they are not properly cared for for at least six months.
Mr. Sankaranarayanan stated, “This has led to a situation where these saplings are dying.” He also pointed out the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) situation. MMRCL took a piece of forest land from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) for afforestation. “Surprisingly, the MMRCL has outsourced the work of compensatory afforestation to the SGNP authorities,” Sankaranarayanan added.
Bench Notes Use of Barren Forest Land
Chief Justice Gavai commented on the selection of land. He said, “If barren forest land is chosen for compensatory afforestation, there is nothing wrong with it.” However, he expressed unhappiness regarding MMRCL. He noted that MMRCL, allowed to fell trees for its projects, handed the work to SGNP officials.
The bench also took note of the planting of one-foot-high saplings. It stated that these crucial measures should not be taken lightly. The cost is “minuscule” compared to the significance of the projects. Currently, the bench has not allowed the BMC to fell trees for the GMLR project. The court stated the matter will next be heard on November 11.
