Mumbai News: Activists Highlight Six-Fold Rise In Tree Trimming Tender Costs Over 10 Years In BMC’s K/East Ward Despite Shrinking Green Cover

Mumbai: Civic activists have raised concerns over the tree trimming tenders awarded by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the K/East ward. Activists have alleged that the tender cost has been increased six-fold in ten years while the number of trees have significantly reduced in the locality.

As BMC carries out trimming of trees before every monsoon, activists have suspected irregularities in the tenders awarded for the tree trimming work, particularly in K/East ward, which includes Vile Parle (E), Andheri (E) and Jogeshwari (E). The Watchdog Foundation has alleged possible scam citing that the cost of tenders have increased six-fold in ten years,

According to the complaint written to the municipal commissioner on Tuesday, the tender cost for tree trimming in 2013-14 was approximately Rs2 crores over two years whereas the current tender awarded in 2024 for one year is valued at Rs6 crores, despite less work scope. They highlighted that a number of trees have been already cut in the ward due to multiple projects like metro car shed and road widening and natural tree falls during monsoon.

The activists alleged that instead of trimming the trees, the BMC-appointed contract has mercilessly hacked at Nehru Road in Vile Parle (E). It highlighted that the cutting of trees needs permission from Tree Authority and in case BMC has appointed a contractor to trim trees, the said agency needs job slips or permission from Tree Authority. It claimed that the concerned officials of K/East ward were not present during the said tree cutting.

The complaint has urged the civic chief to review the tender evaluation and award process for tree trimming in K-East Ward, especially the 2024 tender. It has also requested an audit of contract volumes including the number of trees and estimated cost versus the tender cost. It asked for an investigation about whether undue benefits were conferred through kickbacks or corrupt arrangements.

Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of Watchdog Foundation, said, “Given the drastically reduced trimming scope, the surge in contract value lacks logical justification. This raises serious concerns of collusion between officials and contractors to inflate tender costs and share profits. This issue not only impacts public funds but also affects Mumbai’s urban green cover and public trust in civic governance. Prompt action will send a strong message of accountability.”

news