India, April 29 -- A proposal by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to fell a nearly 150-year-old banyan tree in Balkum for a road-widening project has sparked strong opposition from environmentalists, who have threatened legal action if the plan is not withdrawn.

The tree, located near the Highland-Hill Spring-Runwal Golden City belt, is considered by activists to be a heritage specimen. They have urged the civic body to explore alternative solutions that would allow the road expansion while preserving the tree.

Environmentalists have also flagged a lack of transparency in the TMC's public notice, alleging that it omits key details such as the tree's age and species. They claim the proposal may violate provisions of the Maharashtra ...