Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Bombay HC Halts Tree Axing for Dahanu Road Expansion
The Bombay High Court is stopping the cutting of 759 trees in Dahanu for road work.
A local resident says the city's Chief Officer doesn't have the right to make this decision alone, as it should be a group decision.
The court is also questioning if another group that approved the plan, the DTEPA, has the legal power to do so.
This is not the first time the court has intervened, as they previously stopped tree cutting due to legal issues.
The court is asking the involved parties to explain their actions in writing and has halted any tree felling for now.
Bombay High Court has stayed the felling of 759 trees in Dahanu for road expansion.
A local resident challenged the Chief Officer's authority under the Tree Protection Act.
The petitioner argued that the Chief Officer cannot unilaterally exercise the powers of a Tree Authority.
The court questioned the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority's jurisdiction in approving the tree felling order.
The court has directed the DMC and DTEPA to file affidavits addressing the legal issues and has stayed the felling of trees.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, Dahanu Municipal Corporation, DTEPA, local residents.
- What
- Bombay High Court stayed the axing of trees for road expansion.
- When
- February 2025 and May 2025 (orders issued).
- Where
- Dahanu, Palghar district.
- Why
- To address legal challenges regarding the authority to fell trees for road expansion.
Petitioner's View
DMC/DTEPA View
Authority of Chief Officer
Petitioner's View
The Chief Officer has overstepped his powers under the Tree Act and cannot make such decisions unilaterally.
DMC/DTEPA View
The DMC and DTEPA's view is not provided in the articles.
- Trees Affected
- 759
- Location
- Dahanu, Palghar district
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Relevant Act
- Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Preservation Act, 1975
- Petitioner
- Santosh Jaiswal