Even as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) promotes tree plantation under the ‘Maajhi Vasundhara’ campaign, environmentalists have raised concerns over the imminent felling of 200 fully grown trees in Pawane. The trees, located in the highly polluted Pawane chemical belt, face destruction after the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) allotted part of the land for commercial use.

NatConnect Foundation, which has been actively campaigning to save the 3,600 sq. meter green patch (OS-7), has urged NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde to intervene. "We are not against the rehabilitation of project-affected persons, but it should not come at the cost of destroying fully grown trees," said B.N. Kumar, Director of NatConnect Foundation. He added that while authorities push for an increase in green cover, allowing tree destruction contradicts this goal.

Kumar has also approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT), pointing out that MIDC’s regulations prohibit commercial activity on land designated as open space in the development plan. He further highlighted that Navi Mumbai’s green cover remains below the standards set by the Union Government and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, on Friday, NMMC Commissioner Shinde directed civic officials to strive for a better ranking under the ‘Maajhi Vasundhara’ initiative and include industrial zones in the plantation drive. Navi Mumbai topped the rankings in the ‘Category C’ municipal corporations for 2023-24.

However, MIDC has already allotted 300 sq. meters of the open space for commercial use, sparking further concerns. Despite the NGT’s upcoming hearing on March 26, Kumar reported ongoing activity at the site, including digging and the installation of iron rods and tin sheets.

In response, State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has intervened, urging MIDC officials to ensure the green patch remains undisturbed.