A concerned citizens' group has urged the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take immediate action to deconcretize trees across Kharghar in compliance with the latest order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued on May 21, 2025.
The movement is backed by GREW (Green World Movement), a grassroots initiative led by Ulka Shukla, which has actively documented over 100 in Kharghar distressed trees since July 2024. GREW, known for its pre-COVID circular economy meetups and post-pandemic Dechoking Trees campaign, has repeatedly followed up with PMC since July 2024 without receiving any meaningful response.
The NGT’s latest directive, GREW asserts, is a timely call to protect urban ecology. It emphasizes the urgent need for permeable surfaces to enable groundwater recharge and preserve tree health, mandating civic bodies to deconcretize tree bases across India.
“This is about urban safety,disaster management and not just greenery” says Ulka Shukla. “Trees strangled by concrete are more likely to fall in rain. We’ve already witnessed early signs.”
GREW has requested citizens to support the cause by emailing panvelcorporation@gmail.com, urging PMC to act decisively.
"Every message matters. It’s not just a tree-saving campaign it’s a fight for breathable, sustainable cities and safety for all" said Shukla
