Mumbai: Tree Pali Hill women planted 12 years ago outside Rishi Kapoor’s home hacked

MUMBAI: Residents of upscale

Pali Hill

in

Bandra

are upset after a tree was chopped under the cover of darkness on Monday outside actor Rishi Kapoor's bungalow, Krishna Raj, which is being redeveloped.


The local citizens’ group alleged that the gulmohar tree was hacked although it was not a hindrance to anyone. BMC officials and sources close to the

Kapoor family

said permission was obtained to cut the tree and a public notice was issued.

“The gulmohar tree was planted on the road outside the bungalow by us almost 12 years ago, along with 17 other saplings along the stretch. I saw the tree lying on the ground and was deeply hurt,” said Madhu Poplai, secretary, Pali Hill Residents Association (PHRA).

“There was no reason to cut the tree. We are upset," said Tulip Madhavlal, a local.

Assistant municipal commissioner (H west ward) Sharad Ughade said Kapoor applied for the “removal of trees which were coming in way of the proposed construction of the building”. “Permission was granted on March 16.”

According to the BMC’s permission letter, Kapoor is permitted to cut five trees and transplant three. In turn he (Kapoor) has to plant 10 trees on the property within 15 days and also give an undertaking that he would take “good care” of those.

An officer from BMC's garden department said two more trees along the compound wall that are in the way of ongoing construction activity are proposed to be cut.

Kapoor’s business manager Shanti Malik said he was unwell and unaware of the issue. “I need to check and get back.” A source close to the Kapoor family said, “The tree was obstructing one of the entrances. Therefore, it was cut following due process and after BMC issued notices in newspapers, in case anyone had any objections.”