Mumbai, February 28: Taking cognisance of the cutting trees for making traditional bonfires on the Holi festival, the city civic body has warned people against doing so, saying it is illegal and could even attract a jail term. Traditionally, during the 'Holika Dahan' on the festival, wood is burnt in a symbolic bonfire to signify good defeating evil.

As per provisions of the Maharashtra Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, those found guilty of cutting trees and branches without an authorised permission from the tree authority, can be sentenced to imprisonment for a week to one year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release.

A fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 can also be imposed on those them, it added. The BMC said it has noticed that trees and its branches are cut by revellers for making bonfires during the festival of colours. Thus, the civic body has asked its tree authority to keep a strict watch on those cutting trees in the metropolis during the Holi festival, the release said.