India, Dec. 9 -- The plan to axe around 740 trees in exchange for a world-class mental health facility in Thane has taken a political turn, with the local arm of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) opposing the move.

If the plan does go through, it would mean cutting 742 trees, of the 1,614 trees in the old Thane Mental Hospital, in favour of a redevelopment plan being pushed by the state. The project would see a state-of-the-art mental health facility being built, equipped with modern buildings, services, and infrastructure.

Those rooting for the preservation of Thane's green cover say they are not against the redevelopment plan but will not bear silent witness to the destruction of 750-odd trees.

Environmental NGOs and local politici...