An affidavit filed in the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday has revealed a significant discrepancy in compensatory plantation linked to a key urban road project in the city. According to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), a private contractor claimed to have planted nearly 9,300 trees as part of compensatory afforestation for the London Street project.
Joint Inspection Reveals Shortfall
However, a joint inspection conducted on April 22 and 23 in the Telangkhedi area found only 4,213 trees on site, of which 3,986 were alive. The project required the contractor, Prafulved Infra Pvt Ltd, to plant 9,259 trees as compensation. The inspection findings highlighted a very substantial shortfall in the number of trees planted.
Background of the Project
The NMC further stated that permission was granted in 2023 to cut 73 trees on plot No. 5, with a condition to plant 2,561 trees in return. The court has now directed a joint inspection of the plantation site at Telangkhedi and sought a detailed report from the authorities concerned.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the third week of June. The court is expected to review the findings and take appropriate action based on the report submitted.
