Environment activist in Mumbai detained after he agitated against cutting trees

Jan 23, 2022

Mumbai, Jan 23 (ANI): An environment activist, Abhay Azad has been detained on January 22 by Mumbai Police after he agitated over cutting of trees in Vile Parle area. According to Mumbai Police, action was initiated after locals misbehaved with officials on duty. “We beg to differ and offer the other side of the story sir. The local police were on the spot with team BMC as per protocol. Action was initiated only after a few of the citizens crossed the line and misbehaved with officials on duty (with due permissions) Matter’s been resolved.” Mumbai Police tweeted. Speaking to ANI, Azad said, “A 100-yr-old tree was being cut in Vile Parle area today. I asked BMC officers for permission under which it was being done. I was later forcefully put in police van and was threatened with an FIR against me,” said Azad. “Last year, the Maharashtra government declared every tree above 50 years as a heritage tree. If trees will be cut down like this, there will be no heritage left in the city. It is unfair if a citizen is punished for raising the voice for the protection of trees,” he added.