The Aadhar Sawli Foundation has lodged a formal complaint with the Uran Municipal Council, alleging that a developer has unlawfully cut down hundreds of trees over 100 years old in the Mauje Mhatavli area while constructing a multi-storey complex. The foundation claims that these trees, which were not part of the construction plan, were removed without the necessary permissions from the council’s Tree Authority.

Bhavana Ghanekar, President of the Aadhar Sawli Foundation, has accused Uran Chief Officer Sameer Jadhav of failing to take action against the developer despite presenting evidence of the illegal tree felling. The land in question, previously known as Bhiwandiwala Garden, held cultural significance and provided clean air and water to the local community. The removal of these trees has raised concerns about the health and environmental impact on the citizens of Uran.

The land, identified as Survey No. 8, 9, 10, 11, and City Survey No. 420, was sold by Bhiwandiwala to Bhanwarlal Chhajer, Sanjay B. Dhariwal, and Vijaykumar, partners of M/s Mahavir Buildcon LLP. The foundation alleges that the developers have cut down numerous trees that did not obstruct construction, violating municipal regulations.

Ghanekar has called for the registration of a case against the developer and his partners for their actions. However, ten days after the complaint was filed, the foundation claimed that the Chief Officer was complicit in corruption for not taking any action against the developers.

In response to the allegations, the Aadhar Sawli Foundation has escalated the matter by filing a complaint against Chief Officer Jadhav with the Director of Municipal Council Administration, demanding a departmental inquiry. Ghanekar stated that the illegal tree felling appears to have been overlooked due to collusion between officials, the ruling party, and the developer during the construction approval process.

When contacted, Chief Officer Sameer Jadhav stated that he had only granted permission to cut down two trees. He assured that a site inspection would be conducted to verify the claims and that if the developer is found guilty, immediate action would be taken against them.