Question

why would mother say that nimai would have to be cut? from chapter nimai forever

Answer 1

Nimai is a neem tree which is named Nimai in a family in Bengal. That is perhaps the only household where a tree is named. The tree was planted by Shyamal's grandfather at the time of 'grihapravesh'.  and since then it had been the center of all his actions as he loved to spend time sitting under the tree, reading his books, saying his prayer or just looking around. Shyamal enjoyed watching  Nimai standing erect, holding his head high against the background of the shining blue sky. He could almost hear his grandfather’s voice in the murmur of the small green leaves and the long, spreading branches of Nimai. The story narrates the love of Shyamal towards Nimai, his efforts to save Nimai when his father decides to cut down Nimai to make a garage for their new Maruti car. Nimai saves Shyamal's father from lightning which ultimately kills Niami. Shyamal brings another neem tree to plant where Nimai stood.

Answer 2

She said so because his father was bringing a new car and he needed space to keep it.