NCP (SP) warns of moving Bombay HC over tree-felling issue at Regional Mental Hospital in Maharashtra

Thane: The alleged felling of over 400 trees at the Regional Mental Hospital now escalated into a major confrontation between the NCP (SP) and municipal authorities, with the party warning of approaching the Bombay High Court following inaction by civic officials over the loss of green cover.NCP (SP) district President Manoj Pradhan said the alleged tree cutting, despite no approval by the tree authority, violated the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. He also pointed out that the lush green foliage in the area was home to birds such as kites, parrots, and mynas. "Senior officials of the public works department carried out the felling in blatant violation of the law, with Thane Municipal Corporation officials seemingly casting a blind eye to the action," Pradhan alleged.
Despite repeated requests, including a site visit on Dec 8, 2025, the municipal corporation took no action. The Wagle Estate police, who were approached, also sought a reply from the corporation on whether it was planning to file a complaint, but nothing was done. Pradhan warned that if the joint inspection and inquiry promised by the deputy commissioner and the garden department were not completed and cases not filed within eight days, the NCP (SP) would approach the HC with a contempt petition, Pradhan said on Thursday.