The 'National Society Of The Friends of The Trees' will lead a peace protest rally on Sunday, May 5th, from 9-10 a.m., on SV Road in Santacruz, to demonstrate solidarity against the recent felling of a 300-year-old Baobab tree in Mumbai.

In the dead of night on April 27th, the ancient Baobab tree, standing near Poddar High School on SV Road, Santacruz, fell victim to the merciless blades of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the construction of Mumbai Metro 2B. The swift action included not only the chopping of the tree but also immediate concretization of the surrounding area, as reported by local residents.

For years, members of the 'National Society of the Friends of the Trees' and Santacruz residents had pleaded with authorities to spare this heritage tree. Reassurances were given that it would be protected, but shockingly, on the night of April 27th, those promises were shattered.

In response, the executive committee of the 'National Society Of The Friends of The Trees' has decided to hold a peaceful protest at the site on Sunday, bidding farewell to this iconic tree, once a source of pride for Bombay city. Following the meeting, a protest march to Muktanand Park will take place. The delegation plans to visit the Tree Authority of the BMC to demand a copy of the order permitting the tree's felling. If necessary, they will file RTIs to pursue further action.

Residents and members are also planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court against both BMC and MMRDA. Environmental and tree enthusiasts are urged to join in large numbers.

The Baobab tree is a rare species native to Central Africa. Tree enthusiasts note that saplings of this tree were brought by traders from Madagascar, Africa, and planted by the Portuguese during ancient times in Mumbai and its surroundings. Another Baobab tree once stood near Panvel Station.