Bandra salon paints tree, BMC seeks police action

Mumbai: BMC has asked police to initiate action against a Bandra salon that allegedly painted a banyan tree outside its premises.In a letter to Bandra police, the civic body accused Tip & Toe Luxe salon at Pali Naka of "illegally defacing and damaging a live banyan tree". As per BMC, the salon engaged personnel to paint the tree trunk and its aerial roots in bright pink and green hues to match its aesthetic. Amol Vasaikar from H-west's garden department said steps for corrective action have been initiated. Officials said applying synthetic or chemical paint on a tree's bark can severely harm its health. "Such substances block lenticels, choke the natural respiration process and cause immense physiological stress, ultimately threatening its survival," the letter said. Officials said the salon violated Sections 8 and 21 of Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, which treats any form of damage to a tree as "felling". Section 21 attracts up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. BMC also cited National Green Tribunal's directions mandating strict action against those defacing trees. BMC issued a notice to the salon, directing it to remove the paint using safe and scientific methods and to file a compliance report, along with an explanation.The salon management said only "natural colours" were used, adding they were in the process of removing the paint. —Richa Pinto