Navi Mumbai: Four Full-Grown Trees Illegally Chopped in Kharghar Plot Encroachment
In a brazen act of environmental vandalism, unidentified individuals have chopped down four full-grown trees in a PCMC-owned open space plot located in Kharghar sector 34-C, Navi Mumbai. The incident, which has sparked outrage among local residents, also involved significant damage to the property's infrastructure.
Extensive Damage to Property and Drainage System
Alongside the illegal tree felling, a portion of the compound wall surrounding the plot was deliberately broken, compromising the security and integrity of the public space. Furthermore, the drain line running alongside the compound wall was partially damaged during the encroachment activities. This dual assault on both greenery and civic infrastructure highlights the severity of the unauthorized actions taken on the PCMC property.
Ongoing Illegal Dumping and Construction Waste Issues
Compounding the environmental damage, illegal dumping of debris and construction waste is actively underway on the same plot. This persistent activity suggests a pattern of neglect and unauthorized use of the public land, raising serious concerns about waste management and urban encroachment in the rapidly developing Kharghar area.
Local Allegations of PCMC Security Failures
Local residents have strongly alleged that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has failed to protect the property despite allocating substantial funds towards security measures. The community's frustration is palpable, as they witness the degradation of their neighborhood's green spaces and public assets without adequate intervention from municipal authorities.
Municipal Response and Ward Officer Directive
In response to the incident, a PCMC tree authority staffer confirmed that the Kharghar ward officer has been formally instructed to take further action against the illegal activities. This directive underscores the municipal corporation's recognition of the violation, though locals await tangible steps to prevent future encroachments and hold perpetrators accountable.
The situation in Kharghar sector 34-C serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in urban conservation and the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and enforcement to safeguard public green spaces from unlawful destruction.
