Pic only for representation
Navi Mumbai: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed Maharashtra Forest Department to investigate the suspected poisoning of more than 25 mature trees at Kille Gaothan in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, and submit an action-taken report. They reported liquid oozing from some trunks and a foul chemical smell.
Local activist Paramdeep Grewal, who is leading efforts to revive the trees, said repeated complaints and a signature campaign had failed to draw an effective response from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and CIDCO. The direction followed a complaint by environmental groups to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through PMO’s public grievance portal. Ministry’s Forest Protection Division asked the department to examine the matter under applicable laws, rules and regulations and send its report to the complainant and ministry at the earliest. The communication was addressed to Maharashtra’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, with a copy to Sanjay Kumar Chauhan, Assistant Inspector General of Forests in the division. Activists alleged that holes had been drilled into the trees, their bark cut and chemicals injected. Photographs submitted with the complaint showed damage, though its cause remains unestablished.
Kumar also highlighted the 3-30-300 urban greening rule: three trees visible from every home, 30% neighbourhood tree-canopy cover and quality green space within 300 metres. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news. NatConnect director B N Kumar hoped the intervention would prompt swift action and accountability. Parsik Greens convener Vishnu Joshi urged CIDCO and NMMC to protect mature trees amid deteriorating air quality. The affected bhokar, badam, palm, tamarind and beri trees stand behind NRI Coastal Police Station, near NMMC headquarters. Residents and activists, guided by experts, have treated damaged portions and improved soil around the trees. Download the TOI App.
In an earlier NatConnect complaint over tree felling in Powai, Mumbai, central intervention led local forest officials to visit the site and stop the felling.