Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Fines Two Turbhe Hotel Owners ₹10,000 Each For Lighting Trees With Electricity

Navi Mumbai: In a strict move to protect the city’s greenery, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has fined Rs 10,000 to the two hotel owners in Turbhe for illegally lighting trees with electricity.

The hotels involved Nanumal Hotel in Sector 18 and Devi Prasad Hotel in Sector 19 were found to have strung up decorative electrical lights on trees outside their hotels, in violation of NMMC’s regulations. This action was taken despite repeated public appeals by the NMMC Tree Authority against such practices.

The enforcement action was carried out by the flying squad of the Turbhe Division Office, led by Divisional Officer Mr. Sagar More, and under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department (Zone 1), Mr. Kisanrao Palande. A total of ₹20,000 was collected in fines from the two hotel owners.

This action is in accordance with Resolution No. 7461 dated January 27, 2025, which authorizes punitive measures against individuals, businesses, and professionals who damage trees by nailing, lighting, or any other harmful methods. Under this resolution, a fine of ₹10,000 per tree is imposed on violators by the Assistant Commissioner and Tree Officer.

Wider Crackdown Ahead

NMMC has announced plans for a special campaign across all eight divisional areas in Navi Mumbai to prevent such environmental violations. The civic body has once again appealed to citizens, professionals, and businesses to avoid damaging trees, warning that failure to comply may result in strict penalties.