Over 200 Trees at Risk in MIDC as Excavation Begins Amid Legal Battle | Natconnectfoundation (Website)
Navi Mumbai: A green patch with over 200 trees in the MIDC chemical belt is under immediate threat as digging has begun on the site, sparking outrage among environmentalists.
“This is happening despite State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik’s assurance to protect the green buffer zone and an ongoing legal battle at the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” remarked atConnect director B N Kumar, who has met Naik twice over the issue.
Concerned activists have observed that fencing on the plot is broken, dug steel rods into tree bases, and brought in roof sheets, indicating preparations for construction.
Reportedly, the 3,600 sq. meter plot (OS-7), developed into lush greenery by a private petrochemical firm, has 300 sq. meters allotted to a Project Affected Person (PAP) for commercial property development.
This development is opined by activists to immediately impact 34 trees, but environmentalists warn it could set a dangerous precedent, jeopardizing the entire patch.
“An application filed by NatConnect Foundation to protect the green zone is pending at the NGT, where MIDC has yet to file its response. However, despite MIDC’s oral commitment to the NGT that no trees will be cut, illegal excavation work has started,” said Kumar.
While acknowledging the need for resettling project-affected people, Kumar emphasized that it should not come at the cost of green spaces. “The Thane-Belapur Industrial Belt is already a high-pollution zone. Cutting down trees here will only worsen air quality for residents in Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Vashi, and Nerul,” he warned.
NatConnect has long advocated for expanding Navi Mumbai’s green cover, pointing to the low per-capita tree ratio. The NGO has also raised concerns about foul-smelling pollutants from industrial facilities, worsening the city’s pollution crisis.
