Navi Mumbai Activists Fume Over Tree Damage from New Hoarding
Residents and environmentalists in Navi Mumbai are expressing deep anger. A recent hoarding installation in Vashi has caused significant harm to the local greenery. The incident occurred at Sector 1, right next to the Ganesh Tower society.
Severe Damage to Mature Trees and Saplings
At least three fully grown trees have suffered severe damage. Reports indicate one tree received a deep cut at the base of its trunk. Additionally, activists confirm the complete destruction of at least four young tree saplings. This ecological destruction has sparked immediate outrage among the community.
Activist Madhu Shankar voiced strong criticism. "It is shocking," she said. "Despite an earlier protest against another hoarding on this same footpath along the Vashi-Koparkhairane road, yet another hoarding is being put here by damaging trees."
Activists Escalate Complaints to Civic Authorities
Tree lovers had previously registered complaints with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's garden department. They also approached Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde directly. Tired of inaction, they are now planning to take their concerns to newly elected local political leaders within the NMMC system.
Shankar referenced a pattern of destruction. "Earlier, an almond tree was illegally chopped from the top several times to display a hoarding behind it. Now, another hoarding has been erected just a few metres away, damaging more trees," she explained. "We want the civic body to save our city trees and cancel such hoardings which are spoiling our already scanty greenery."
Official Response from NMMC Officials
Ganesh Deshmukh, the NMMC garden officer at the Vashi ward office, provided an update on the situation. "We have already sent a notice to the housing society where the new hoarding is being installed," he stated. "We have also informed the licensing department which issued the permission for this hoarding."
Commissioner Kailas Shinde has acknowledged the issue. He confirmed he will personally look into the matter following the complaints.
Linking Tree Loss to Air Quality Concerns
Environmental groups connect the loss of trees to broader public health issues. B N Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation, highlighted a worrying statistic. "On December 31, the Air Quality Index in Navi Mumbai was very high—at 407 units," he said. "This is happening because our tree cover is being reduced."
The activists maintain a clear demand. They urge the NMMC to take immediate corrective action. Their goal is to protect the remaining urban forest and prevent further unauthorized damage to Navi Mumbai's environment.
