The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requested the police to take legal action against a salon in Bandra for allegedly painting a banyan tree located outside its premises. In a formal complaint to the Bandra police station, the civic body accused Tip & Toe Luxe salon at Pali Naka of illegally defacing and damaging a live banyan tree.
Details of the Incident
According to the BMC, the salon engaged personnel to paint the tree trunk and its aerial roots in bright pink and green hues to match its aesthetic theme. Amol Vasaikar from the H-west ward's garden department confirmed that corrective measures have been initiated. Officials explained that applying synthetic or chemical paint on a tree's bark can severely harm its health.
Health Risks to the Tree
The BMC's letter stated, "Such substances block lenticels, choke the natural respiration process, and cause immense physiological stress, ultimately threatening its survival." The salon's actions violate Sections 8 and 21 of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, which treats any form of damage to a tree as 'felling'. Section 21 prescribes penalties including up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
Legal and Environmental Context
The BMC also cited directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that mandate strict action against those who deface trees. The civic body issued a notice to the salon, directing it to remove the paint using safe and scientific methods and to submit a compliance report along with an explanation.
Salon's Response
The salon management claimed that only "natural colours" were used and stated they were in the process of removing the paint. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of protecting urban trees and adhering to environmental laws.
