Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Activist Seeks Probe After Banyan Tree Felled Outside Mithibai College
A large Banyan tree outside Mithibai College in Mumbai was reportedly cut down at about 2 a.m.
The tree was described as healthy and heritage-listed.
Activist Godfrey Pimenta believes the cutting may not have followed the required rules.
He asked city officials and the police to investigate.
He also wants them to check whether the proper permissions were given.
CCTV recordings and official documents should be preserved, he said.
Pimenta wants the people and contractor involved to be identified.
An assistant municipal commissioner was not available for comment.
A healthy heritage Banyan tree outside Mithibai College in Vile Parle was allegedly felled around 2 a.m.
Activist Godfrey Pimenta asked the BMC and police to investigate the incident.
Pimenta sought verification of statutory permissions and identification of those who ordered and carried out the felling.
He requested preservation of CCTV footage, permissions, inspection reports, and contractor details.
Pimenta has demanded an FIR and action if the felling is found to have violated applicable law.
- Who
- Activist Godfrey Pimenta reported the alleged felling and sought action from the BMC and police.
- What
- A healthy heritage Banyan tree was allegedly cut down, prompting demands for an investigation and FIR.
- When
- Around 2 a.m. on August 29, 2026, according to the report.
- Where
- On the road outside Mithibai College in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
- Why
- Pimenta raised concerns that required permissions and procedures under tree-protection laws may have been bypassed.
- Tree
- A healthy heritage Banyan tree
- Location
- Road outside Mithibai College, Vile Parle, Mumbai
- Alleged time
- Around 2 a.m.
- Complainant
- Activist Godfrey Pimenta
- Requested action
- Immediate probe, identification of those responsible, and an FIR
- Requested evidence
- CCTV footage, permissions, inspection reports, and contractor details
- Official response
- Chakrapani Alle, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of K West Ward, was unavailable for comment