In an eco-sensitive area along Palm Beach Road in Nerul, hundreds of trees, including banyan, tamarind, and miswak, have been unlawfully cut in a startling violation of environmental laws. The village tax officer examined after receiving complaints from environmental activists and worried locals and discovered this extensive deforestation.
The impacted location, Sector 52A, is adjacent to ecologically important regions including DPS Lake and mangroves, which are protected as Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZs) and are vital habitats for migratory birds and flamingos.
Following public outrage following the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra’s (CIDCO) sale of the land to Today Royal Developers for about ₹200 crore, the dispute grew more heated. To stop additional environmental harm, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik is advocating for the land’s handover to the forest department.
According to reports, a contractor used JCB machines to remove more than 300 trees. Residents’ prompt action resulted in the machinery being seized by the forest department and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). Village tax officer Nilesh Kamble verified widespread illegal tree cutting during a joint inspection, claiming that at least 100 trees had been chopped down without permission.
Concerns have been made by environmental activist Sunil Agarwal and his group regarding possible developments in Sector 52A, which was initially included as a water body in the NMMC’s draft Development Plan. They claim that NMMC was under pressure from CIDCO to change the land’s designation for residential and commercial usage.
Local activists who value environmental preservation over financial gain are still calling for the revocation of land allocations. The necessity to preserve Navi Mumbai’s biodiversity has been emphasised by Forest Minister Naik, who has promised harsh punishment for violators. Today Royal Developers and CIDCO have not yet responded to enquiries about the situation.
Source: The Free Press Journal
