Tree cutting kills over 45 birds at housing society in Maharashtra’s Thane

In a tragic incident in Thane’s Kasarvadavali area, more than 45 birds perished and 28 others were injured due to reckless tree pruning at a residential society. The event has sparked widespread anger among environmentalists, bird enthusiasts, and local residents, prompting the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to file a police complaint against those responsible.

According to officials, the society had obtained permission from the TMC to trim trees within its premises. However, the pruning exceeded the approved scope, leading to catastrophic consequences for local wildlife. Yasin Tadvi, TMC’s Disaster Management Officer, noted that bird rescuer Rohit Mohite first alerted authorities after observing birds and their nests falling during the operation. The deceased birds included species such as cattle egrets, sparrows, mynas, and bulbuls, with many nests destroyed in the process.

Garden Inspector Dr. Rahul Durgude emphasized that while the society was authorized for controlled pruning, the excessive cutting violated regulations. “What was meant to be pruning turned into a senseless slaughter,” Durgude told, adding that a notice has been issued to the society demanding an explanation. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Madhukar Bodke described the act as a clear breach of rules and an act of cruelty toward wildlife, confirming that a police complaint was lodged against the society’s office-bearers and the contractor involved.

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The incident, which took place on Thursday, drew wildlife activists and concerned citizens to the site, where they rescued approximately 20 injured birds. Workers allegedly fled when civic officials arrived. One resident, speaking to PTI, expressed heartbreak, stating, “We never imagined trimming trees would lead to such a tragedy.” The outrage has fueled calls for stricter oversight of tree maintenance practices to prevent future ecological harm.