Environment Activists Oppose MIDC’s Plan to Cut 200 Trees in Navi Mumbai

Mumbai, 31st March 2024: Environment activists and concerned citizens in Navi Mumbai are vehemently opposing the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) over its proposed plan to fell approximately 200 trees in the Thane-Belapur industrial belt. The purpose behind this action is to allocate an area of over an acre to project-affected persons (PAPs) for their rehabilitation.

In a heartfelt plea addressed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, these activists have highlighted their apprehensions and urged for the preservation of open spaces and greenery within the heavily polluted belt located in the Trans Thane Creek (TTC) area. The targeted plot, identified as plot number OS-7 in Pawane village, is described as the sole green lung in the vicinity, adorned with mature trees and flourishing vegetation.

The activists underscored the painstaking efforts of a private company in nurturing this plot over two decades, transforming it into a verdant oasis with majestic palms, diverse trees, and blooming flora. Moreover, they emphasized that the area is monitored by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) during tree census exercises, further underlining its ecological significance.

While expressing solidarity with the imperative to rehabilitate the PAPs, the activists deplored the prolonged delay in addressing their needs. They voiced dismay over the authorities’ focus on compensating PAPs even after six decades of industrial and residential development, stressing the urgency of exploring alternative solutions.

Urging the MIDC and other local authorities such as the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to prioritize environmental conservation, activists implored them to seek alternative sites rather than sacrificing the city’s precious green spaces. They highlighted initiatives like NGO NatConnect’s #MissionGreen, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of each tree and the enduring consequences of its loss.

Vishnu Joshi, convenor of Parsik Greens, lamented the gradual depletion of open spaces and green cover in Navi Mumbai, attributing it to the relentless pursuit of urban development at the expense of environmental well-being. He criticized both CIDCO and MIDC for their disregard towards preserving natural habitats amidst rapid urbanization, underscoring the imperative for conscientious decision-making rooted in environmental stewardship.