Residents of Sanpada will organise a silent human chain on Sunday morning to oppose the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) proposal to fell or transplant 440 mature trees along Palm Beach Road for a planned underground tunnel. The demonstration, scheduled for 8.30 am, will begin opposite Kesar Solitaire Building in Sector 19 and extend to the Full Stop Mall stretch, where trees have been marked for removal.
Organisers have stated that the protest will remain peaceful, with no slogans raised. Participants will briefly engage with passersby to explain the proposed project and highlight its potential environmental consequences. The initiative is being led by the Palm Beach Greens Forum, with support from the NatConnect Foundation and the Sanpada Senior Citizens Group.
As per civic notices, 111 trees are proposed to be cut and 329 transplanted. Residents argue that these long-standing trees serve as an essential green buffer along the busy arterial road. They have also questioned the viability of transplantation, citing survival rates of mature trees that are often below 40%.
Shrikant Patki, convenor of Palm Beach Greens Forum, said over 45 residents have signed a formal representation expressing concerns. “We are not against development, but it must be responsible and transparent. Alternatives such as an elevated road or flyover should be examined before destroying existing green cover,” he said.
Patki noted that some residents were invited to limited meetings with insufficient prior details about the project. An application has been filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to obtain official documents related to the tunnel proposal. “Once we receive the complete file, we will consult qualified structural engineers from our area to explore feasible alternatives,” he said.
Environmental groups have also flagged air quality concerns. “It takes 10 to 12 years for a tree to grow to a size where it can meaningfully contribute to oxygen generation and ecological balance. We cannot afford to lose what we already have,” activists said.
B N Kumar of NatConnect Foundation highlighted that Navi Mumbai’s per capita tree cover remains below urban norms and urged authorities to adopt the 3-30-300 urban forestry model. Residents have demanded transparency and exploration of alternative designs before any large-scale tree removal proceeds.
Source: The Free Press Journal
