Thane: At least 10 instances of trees being illegally wrapped in fairy lights and electrical wires were reported across Thane during the festive season, prompting environmental activists to demand action from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).However, the civic body’s crackdown appeared to have fizzled out after action in just one instance, even as violations continued elsewhere, triggering allegations of selective enforcement, residents and activists alleged.Last week, the TMC ordered a citywide drive against establishments and housing societies illegally decorating trees with lights and electrical fittings. Following the order, officials removed unauthorised installations from a prominent locality and warned violators of action under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.Environmental activist Rohit Joshi had written to Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, warning how wrapping roadside and avenue trees with decorative lights and heavy electrical cables could cause lasting damage, disrupt bird nesting habitats, generate artificial heat and pose short-circuit and fire hazards. Joshi had also approached the Bombay High Court in 2024 over similar violations involving hundreds of trees.The TMC also approached Kasarwadavli police and later started removing unauthorised lights, wires, nails and metal clamps attached to trees along a plush residential enclave along the Ghodbunder highway. However, local residents questioned the disparity as the drive seemed to have been restricted to their locality while trees continued to be illuminated in other parts of the city.“It is unfair that our area, once among the city’s brightest festive stretches, looks different this year after the lights were removed. The same rules were, however, not enforced everywhere as other areas continued to openly flout the norms,” said a resident of a prominent Ghodbunder enclave.Joshi said he would approach the court again, flagging the continuing violations and the civic body’s alleged inaction. TMC officials remained unavailable for comment.
