Over 300 Trees Illegally Chopped Off In Eco-Sensitive Zone Of Palm Beach Road

Navi Mumbai: In an eco-sensitive area along Palm Beach Road in Nerul, hundreds of trees, including banyan, tamarind, and miswak, have been illegally felled, breaching environmental regulations. This was revealed during an inspection by the village revenue officer, prompted by concerns from locals and environmental activists.

The location, Sector 52A, is adjacent to crucial habitats like mangroves and DPS Lake, vital for flamingos and migratory birds, protected under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Recently, the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) sold this land to Today Royal Developers for approximately ₹200 crore, leading to public discontent.

In response, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik is advocating for the transfer of the land to the forest department to avert further ecological harm. Reports suggest that over 300 trees were removed using JCB machines by a contractor.

Residents alerted the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and the forest department, prompting the machinery’s confiscation. The village revenue officer, Nilesh Kamble, conducted a joint inspection and confirmed widespread illegal deforestation, revealing that at least 100 trees were cut without the required approvals.

Environmental activists, spearheaded by Sunil Agarwal, are raising alarms about proposed developments in Sector 52A, originally allocated as a water body in NMMC’s draft Development Plan. They contend that CIDCO coerced NMMC into modifying the plan for commercial and residential projects.

Advocacy for protecting biodiversity in the area continues, as local activists demand the cancellation of land allotments, emphasizing environmental preservation over commercial interests. Forest Minister Naik expressed commitment to combat environmental destruction, seeking urgent actions against violators. CIDCO and Today Royal Developers did not provide comments before publication.