RESIDENTS OF Tardeo, Mahalaxmi and other areas near Haji Ali came out on to the streets on Sunday to "adopt" the 84 coconut trees slated to be cut to make way for the beautification of the Haji Ali promenade.

They chose to protest on Moth er's Day and pledged to save the trees that had been planted 15 years ago and are now about 35 metres high.

About 70 people tied coloured bands around the trees, promising to take care of them and protect them from the axe.

Four members of the 30-member civic Tree Authority - the body that gives permission to fell trees in the city - have joined hands with the residents.

"We will go to any extent to save the trees from being cut. They will not survive transplantation," said Nilesh Baxi, a Tree Authority member who is also honorary secretary of Society for Improvement of Greenery and Nature (SIGNATURE).

The municipal corporation's Tree Authority has given per mission for 84 trees to be axed for the Haji Ali beautification project. Of these, 64 will be transplanted.

The Rs 22-crore beautification project includes widening the footpath from 10 feet to 22 feet.

Sanjay Upadhaya, a member of the youth wing of a political party, has adopt ed five trees. "We don't want to live in a concrete jungle. I will support the cause for the future of my children," he said.

Even children joined the elders in pledging to save trees.

"We want to save the trees," said Veer Salvi (9).

Added Krishnaraj Rao, who initiated the Sahasi Padyatri movement: "It is high time citizens protested against the government's move to fell the trees. The government has been neglecting environmental issues."

This team will soon meet Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak to discuss on the issue.

"Tree-cutting is necessary for the promenade's beautification," he told Hindustan Times on Sunday. "The trees that are not hampering the widening will not be cut. We will discuss the issue in a press conference on Friday ."

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