Navi Mumbai Citizens Rally to Protect 440 Mature Trees from Proposed Underpass
In a powerful display of environmental concern, residents of Navi Mumbai organized a silent demonstration at the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters on Tuesday evening. The protest aimed to save 440 fully grown trees along Palm Beach Road, near Sanpada, which are threatened by plans for a vehicular subway across the road.
Silent Human Chain Highlights Public Outcry
Scores of senior citizens, women, children, and youth formed a silent human chain, holding banners and placards to voice their opposition to the proposed removal of these trees. The demonstration underscored widespread public anxiety over the potential loss of green cover for an underpass project.
Environmentalists Warn of Air Quality Deterioration
Shrikant Patki, convenor of Palm Beach Greens, expressed deep distress over the civic body's plan to either transplant or fell the trees. He emphasized that Navi Mumbai is already struggling with worsening air quality, and removing mature trees would exacerbate this environmental crisis. "Green cover is critical for the city's environmental health. Removing mature trees will only worsen the situation," Patki stated.
Calls for Sustainable Infrastructure Alternatives
B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, urged the NMMC to consider alternative solutions. He proposed exploring options such as an elevated road or a flyover across Moraj Junction at Sanpada on Palm Beach Road. "This can ensure seamless traffic flow over longer distances without sacrificing hundreds of trees," Kumar explained.
Balancing Development with Ecology
Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) clarified that citizens are not against infrastructure development but advocate for sustainable planning. "Urban planners must balance development with environmental safety. Progress should not come at the cost of ecology," Sareen asserted.
Threat of Escalated Agitation
Environmental groups have warned that if the plan proceeds without reconsideration, the agitation will intensify. This protest marks a significant step in their campaign to preserve Navi Mumbai's natural heritage and promote eco-friendly urban growth.
