A committee will be formed to discuss the ‘mysterious’ fungal infection, which is leading to death of hundreds of trees in Mumbai.
Discussing the role of tree authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made this announcement in the State Assembly after the issue was raised by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar.
Mr Shelar said: “According to the 2007 tree census, Mumbai has about 19 lakh trees. However, in recent times, these 40- to 50-year-old trees are suffering from mysterious fungal infection. The infection, which spreading fast, is creating doubt in the minds of citizens. The government must direct the BMC to study the disease.”
Taking a note of the suggestion, the CM assured steps to protect the trees.
Earlier, discussing the issues related to tree authority, NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar raised the questions over the political influence on such authorities. “Such authorities are clear cases of understanding between the members. The permission to cut trees is given through such understanding. Do we even need such authority of politicians?”
Mr Fadnavis assured of bringing more transparency in the functioning of the authority.
