Rishi Kapoor gets BMC notice for damaging tree at his Mumbai bungalow

The actor received the approval from the BMC to trim six branches of the tree, but pictures revealed that it has been reduced to its trunk.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor for allegedly violating its permission to trim branches of a banyan tree inside his Krishna Raj bungalow at Bandra’s Pali Hill.

Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor (HT File)

The actor received the approval from the BMC to trim six branches of the tree on April 13 as it may have obstructed the planned construction at the plot, said a ward official. But, pictures shared by BMC officials revealed that the tree has been reduced to its trunk.

The H-West ward of the BMC will file a complaint with the Khar police, asking them to register a case under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, and Section 155 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, said a civic official.

The banyan tree inside Rishi Kapoor’s bungalow has been reduced to its trunk. (HT Photo)

The actor had been given 24 hours to explain why action should not be initiated against him and if no reply was received appropriate action would be taken against him, said the official. The notice was issued after local residents complained to the BMC.

Civic officials inspected the site and found that the BMC permission was violated.

Sharad Ugade, assistant municipal commissioner of H west ward, said, “On visiting the site, we spotted that the branches were not trimmed but chopped off. Suitable action will be taken against violators.”

A recent survey by NGO Praja Foundation revealed that there is less than half a tree per person in Mumbai.