Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put up a notice near Bhulabhai Desai Road that it will axe 140 trees for the coastal road project and widening of the road. Another 500 trees will be razed between Worli and Marine Drive for the same project.

The residents have been opposing the move to cut 600 trees in south Mumbai for the coastal road project. The BMC notice states that out of the 140 trees, 61 will be cut and 79 will be transplanted as part of the road widening and construction of parking for the coastal road project. However, residents raised concerns over there being no request for suggestions and objections which are mandatory in any tree-felling proposal. “The notice has no mention about the last date of submitting objections and suggestions. Neither have they mentioned about any public hearing,” said Nilesh Baxi, a resident of Bhulabhai Desai Road.

However the BMC maintained that due course will be followed and the number of trees slated to be cut for the project will likely be reduced. “The BMC will be putting out a detailed notice, including the date of filing objections and public hearing. Seven days for filing the objections would be given,” said a BMC official.

The civic body had last year issued public notice on the removal of 140 trees for the Bandra-Versova Sea Link (BVSL), which will be connected by the southern part of the coastal road – from Princess Street to Worli Seaface according to the BMC.