Nagpur's Green Liberation: 7,400 Trees Freed from Concrete Encroachment
In a significant environmental victory, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has successfully liberated nearly 7,400 trees across the city from suffocating cement concrete layers that were choking their trunks. This revelation came during a hearing before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday, where civic authorities stated the move has enabled these trees to "breathe freely" once again.
Court Hearing Reveals Extensive De-concretization Efforts
The update was presented during proceedings concerning Public Interest Litigations (PILs) addressing indiscriminate concretization around trees during urban development projects in Nagpur. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode had previously requested comprehensive data from the municipal body regarding the removal of cement layers that obstruct the natural flow of air and water to tree roots, gradually compromising their health and vitality.
Advocate Gemini Kasat, representing the NMC, presented detailed statistics showing that cement concrete was removed from around 3,326 trees in March 2025, followed by another 4,123 trees in February 2026. These figures combine to reveal that approximately 7,450 trees have been relieved from concrete encroachments throughout the city. Notably, the civic body reported that concrete was removed from 406 of the 528 trees that had been specifically flagged for urgent intervention.
Judicial Scrutiny and Ongoing Monitoring
During the hearing, the bench sought additional clarification from the NMC regarding whether fresh instances of tree concretization have emerged during ongoing development works. The judges also directed the municipal corporation to submit zone-wise details of the workforce deployed for removing cement encroachments surrounding tree trunks, ensuring transparency in the de-concretization process.
The court is currently hearing two PILs focused on protecting urban trees in Nagpur. One case was initiated suo motu by the High Court in 2018 following widespread concerns over large-scale tree felling linked to development projects across the city. The second petition was filed by environmentalist Sharad Patil and three other petitioners specifically seeking the removal of cement concrete layers placed around trees in urban areas.
Compliance with Court Directives
As part of compliance with earlier High Court directives, a committee headed by the divisional commissioner was constituted to supervise the process of removing cement surrounding trees and ensuring better protection of Nagpur's green cover. This development was formally placed before the court by amicus curiae Radhika Bajaj, highlighting the systematic approach being taken to address environmental concerns.
The next hearing in this matter has been scheduled for March 10, where further progress reports and compliance details are expected to be reviewed by the judicial bench. This ongoing legal oversight ensures that the protection of Nagpur's urban forest remains a priority amidst the city's development activities.
