Mumbai, February 21 Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Munde has drawn a parallel between the sacrifices of soldiers at the border and the cutting of trees, including mangroves, for development, sparking sharp reactions on social media.
Activist Anjali Damania posted the viral clip on the social media platform X on Saturday, saying she felt sorry for the minister's "misguided" comparison.
Defending the rationale behind felling trees for development during an interaction at Mumbai Climate Week, Munde said, "Just as a mother brings up her son and then has the courage to send him to the border to fight for the country, similarly, if we grow trees, we may have to cut them, but we can plant them elsewhere.
"We cannot refuse progress simply because we need to preserve trees. If we have to cut five trees for progress, we can plant ten more. That is the only way," she added.
Munde said that trees, like soldiers, protect people while they are alive and even when removed, contribute to development.
"Think of those trees as soldiers. As long as they are alive, they are protecting us, and if they are removed, they are still contributing to development," the BJP leader added.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over mangrove cutting and urban infrastructure projects in Mumbai.
"While people discuss climate issues comfortably, soldiers stand in snow and deserts, risking their lives for the country. We are sitting here in a five-star hotel, talking about Mumbai Climate Week, having tea, coffee, and cookies, but someone is standing in the snow and desert, risking their lives for us.
"They are making sacrifices, so how do we show our gratitude? That is how I treat those trees. These are my personal opinions," the minister added.