In a one of its kind theft, on the target of the thieves are 300 odd coconut trees planted over four years back.

Activists have observed that the trees barely 8 to 10 feet tall are being robbed of the shoots which are necessary for its healthy growth.

In the year 2020, the Navi Mumbai based Devarai Samvardhan Sanstha undertook the initiative of planting 300 coconut trees along the walking track in Sector 12, Vashi.

“this green project is now under threat due to a group of thieves stealing the shoots of these coconut trees,” said a Vashi based activist Madhu Shankar. 

So far 10 trees are observed to be robbed of the shoots.

The activist on Monday raised the matter with the Vashi police.

Determined to know the reason for the theft, the activist stumbled upon a  growing black market. “a flower vendor in Matunga revealed that such stolen shoots are sold in Dadar market for approximately ₹200 each,” said the activist.

Cutting shoots stunt the growth of the tree. Also removing them is opined by horticulturists to stress the tree to make it more susceptible to pests as well as diseases. “the health of the tree starts declining overtime. Removing the shoots  affects the ability of the tree to hold the soil through roots leading to soil erosion. Even their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is compromised,” said a horticulturist Afiya Thakur.

The theft of coconut shoots is termed to be a serious issue, as the removal of shoots weakens the trees, leading to their eventual death.

The local community and authorities are asked to take swift action to protect the remaining trees and curb this illegal trade, ensuring the survival of this valuable green initiative.