Mumbai: The BMC’s Tree Authority on Tuesday approved a proposal to remove 126 trees for a slum rehabilitation project at Hiranandani Udyan in Powai, after being informed that the developer has agreed to provide over 4,000 free rehabilitation flats for project-affected persons (PAPs) across various infrastructure projects undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).The proposal, placed before the Tree Authority, sought permission to remove trees obstructing the planned construction on plots 23A (Part), 26A (Part) and 27 (Part), now bearing New Plot Number 23/9/2, at Powai village in Kurla taluka. The application, submitted by developer Bhawanishankar H Sharma through architect Vishwas Satodia on Dec 9, 2025, was later revised after deficiencies were rectified in March and April this year.According to the proposal, BMC officials jointly surveyed the site with the project architect on Feb 21 and March 4, 2026, and found a total of 144 trees on the plot. Of these, 126 trees would be affected by the proposed construction and excavation works under the SRA scheme.The Tree Authority approved the felling of 44 trees and the transplantation of 82 trees, while directing that the remaining 18 trees be retained on the site.The proposal stated that an earlier approval granted in Oct 2022 had permitted the removal of 95 trees, of which 60 were felled and 35 transplanted. However, following changes in the redevelopment layout, fresh approval was sought for the revised tree proposal.A letter submitted by the architect on July 15, 2026, informed the civic body that a tripartite agreement had been executed between the MMRDA, the SRA and developer Bhawanishankar H Sharma. Under the agreement, the developer has committed to providing approximately 4,000 rehabilitation flats free of cost for project-affected families across various MMRDA and SRA projects.The proposal further stated that the housing stock would also be utilised for the rehabilitation of families displaced by the Mithi river widening project, for which the Maharashtra govt had issued a notification in July 2010.
