Navi Mumbai News: NGT Disposes Plea Against Alleged Tree Felling In Pawane After MIDC Declares Plot As ‘No Tree Land’

Mumbai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of an application filed by an environmental activist raising concerns over potential tree felling in an open space at Pawane, Navi Mumbai.

In its order, the tribunal noted that the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) had provided an undertaking stating that the land in question is classified as a “No Tree Land.” Citing this assurance, the NGT observed that there was no further reason to continue proceedings and accordingly disposed of the case.

Activist Raises Concerns Over Tree Felling at Pawane Open Plot

The petition was filed against the MIDC and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), seeking to prevent any tree felling in the open space located in Pawane village.

MIDC Submits Affidavit Stating No Trees Exist on Plot

During the hearing on July 31, 2025, the MIDC clarified that no trees currently exist on the specific plot in question. The plot, measuring 300 sq. meters, had been allotted to M/s. Shiv Hospitality for the development of a “Hotel Lodging & Boarding” facility.

Affidavits submitted by MIDC, dated March 6, 2025, and April 15, 2025, were presented before the tribunal. These documents confirmed that MIDC itself does not carry out tree felling operations but grants permission to allottees through its Tree Authority in accordance with the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.

The MIDC also informed the NGT of its stringent guidelines regarding tree felling, which have evolved over time. A circular dated April 20, 2017, was placed on record, which mandates that if permission is granted for felling a tree, the allottee must plant five new trees for every tree felled and deposit a security amount of ₹10,000 per tree. In cases of tree transplantation, two new trees must be planted for each one moved.

The applicant, expressed concerns that these conditions might indirectly allow tree felling. However, the bench accepted MIDC’s assertion and undertaking that no trees exist on the allotted plot and that precautions would be taken to ensure no trees are harmed in future developments.

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NGT Disposes Petition Based on MIDC’s Assurance

In its final order, the NGT bench stated: “We are of the view that nothing remains to be decided by us at this stage in the present Original Application, because there is no tree existing at the site in question where the construction is going to be done… we do not find any valid reason to have such kind of apprehension.” The application was accordingly disposed of, based on MIDC’s undertaking to prevent any illegal tree felling at the site.