Overview
- A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai allowed the Tree Authority to consider a fresh BMC request for GMLR tree felling on the condition of scrupulous compensatory afforestation.
- The court took note of the chief secretary’s affidavit, warned of stern action for lax implementation, and said afforestation may begin before any trees are cut.
- Officers were directed to inspect proposed plantation sites inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park and authorities must file a progress report in 12 weeks.
- The Maharashtra government published a policy on November 16 requiring native species, 12‑foot saplings, a seven‑year survival guarantee with replacements, GPS geotagging, and land banks, with plantations barred in protected wildlife zones unless explicitly permitted.
- The Revenue & Forest Department issued 14 directives making the BMC primarily accountable, mandating an oversight committee and a dedicated fund, and requiring 8‑foot fencing, CCTV, tree guards, and protection of larger sites as green belts or protected forests.