Ahead of the celebration of Holika, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged citizens to use dry wood for burning the bonfire, and help celebrate the festival responsibly. It is illegal to cut tree branches without BMC’s prior permission. Dry firewood that is available in the market can be procured by citizens for the Holika bonfire.

BMC’s stance

It is illegal to cut any tree branches without prior permission of the BMC. According to the Maharashtra (urban areas) Tree Preservation and Protection Act, no trees can be cut without prior permission of the local municipal corporation. Tree cutting is a punishable offence, and can result in a fine and even imprisonment up to one year. “The gardens department is on alert throughout the year, and especially around times when the demand for firewood goes up, such as before Holika,” said a civic official.