Navi Mumbai: In a controversial move, 24 trees were axed in Kharghar Sector 34 B to facilitate the development of a playground. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) permitted an educational organization to develop and use the open space plot, similar to other institutions in the city. However, local residents believe that the playground could have been developed without cutting down the trees.
Background of the Plot
The educational institution had erected tin-sheet barricades around the playground plot for the past two years. The institution obtained permission from the tree authority of the Panvel City Municipal Corporation to chop 24 trees, which included four java plants (jambhul), 14 Manila tamarind, a mango tree, among others.
Conditions Imposed by Civic Body
As per the conditions imposed by the Panvel civic body while granting tree-cutting permission, the institution must plant 221 saplings, each with a height of 6 feet, and take care of them for seven years. The civic body has also kept a refundable security deposit of approximately Rs 2.40 lakh from the institute to ensure compliance.
Residents' Concerns
A local resident, Dr. Swapnil Pawar, expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The playground would have been developed without axing the trees. The trees were axed after Cidco handed over the reserved plot to the institute for use.”
Usage of the Playground
Cidco had reserved the plot for a playground and later gave it to the private educational institution for use. Typically, educational institutions use adjoining playgrounds during class hours or in exceptional cases for other purposes. Residents living nearby are allowed to use the playground after that.
The incident has sparked a debate on the balance between development and environmental conservation. While the institution is mandated to plant more trees, locals argue that preserving existing trees should have been prioritized.
