Navi Mumbai Activists Allege Systematic Tree Poisoning for Hoarding Installation
Nature enthusiasts and environmental activists in Navi Mumbai have raised serious allegations regarding the mysterious death of a nearly 30-year-old Peepal tree located on the road median along the busy Airoli-Mulund Link Road. The concern has intensified as a large advertising hoarding has recently appeared at the exact location where the tree is reportedly dying.
Commercialization Over Conservation: A Growing Concern
Activists argue that the increasing commercialization of Navi Mumbai's urban landscape is actively discouraging greenery, transforming the city into what they describe as a concrete jungle with diminishing shade and oxygen levels amidst heavy pollution. They allege that fully grown trees are being systematically poisoned to eliminate them, thereby clearing space for giant hoardings along major roads.
"I wrote a letter to the NMMC top officials highlighting my concern about the grown-up tree that is being killed to allow a large hoarding for clear visibility of advertisement. I believe it's a sabotage to eliminate the almost 30-foot-tall tree, which was providing shade and oxygen as well," said local resident Dinesh Singh, who alerted senior officials in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation via email months ago and is still awaiting a response.
Pattern of Neglect and Alleged Conspiracy
Activists report that complaints about similar incidents have been ongoing for a considerable time, with little to no action from municipal authorities. A civic official acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, stating it would be examined promptly through the concerned department. However, nature lovers remain skeptical, pointing out that several new hoardings are emerging at various locations, often accompanied by the reckless chopping of tree branches to improve advertisement visibility.
Singh emphasized the long-term value of these trees: "It took 20-30 years for every tree on the road dividers to grow. They are not only aesthetic beauty but help reduce air pollution and act as temperature control. The authorities are least bothered about the importance of green cover against revenue gain through hoardings."
Activist Sameer Tupe expressed suspicion of a coordinated effort: "I doubt there is a conspiracy to kill grown-up trees in order to install hoardings out of which the civic body will gain a good amount. This is not a case in isolation. Such tactic is being adopted to clear the green patches for the sake of clear display of advertisement."
Environmentalists Detail Disturbing Practices
Environmentalists have detailed a troubling pattern where hoardings are erected only after trees have been poisoned and dried, making their removal easier. "These tricks have become a common practice by the miscreants and people having vested interests. Now it's seen in the extended format all over the city," said nature lover Dhananjay Suvarna, who questioned who would intervene to stop this trend. "My worry is if it doesn't stop now, in another two years this entire stretch of Mulund-Airoli Link will become a hoarding zone."
Singh provided specific examples to support these claims: "Two new hoardings have come up along the Mulund-Airoli Link. A couple of years ago, a grown-up tree on the Sector 5 signal in Airoli disappeared. I thought it may be due to age, but recently remaining trees in the stretch of 200 metres disappeared with similar patterns, with hoardings appearing on either side of the road." He further suggested that financial incentives might be silencing potential complaints, noting that societies receive substantial annual payments for hoarding rentals.
The situation highlights a critical conflict between urban development, commercial interests, and environmental preservation in Navi Mumbai, with activists demanding immediate investigation and action to protect the city's dwindling green cover.
