Navi Mumbai Residents to Stage Silent Protest Against Mass Tree Felling for Sanpada Underpass
Environmental activists and concerned citizens in Navi Mumbai are mobilizing for a peaceful demonstration against the proposed removal of hundreds of mature trees for a critical infrastructure project. A silent human chain will be formed on March 1 at 8:30 AM to protest the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) decision to axe as many as 440 full-grown trees for the construction of an underpass at Sanpada along Palm Beach Road.
Protest Details and Organizers
The protest is being organized by the Palm Beach Greens Forum, with support from the NatConnect Foundation and the Sanpada Senior Citizens Group. Organizers anticipate approximately 200 participants will join the silent human chain, which will be held opposite the Kesar Solitaire building in Sector 19, Sanpada. This demonstration represents a collective stand against what residents perceive as an environmentally destructive approach to urban development.
NMMC's Underpass Project and Court Approval
According to NMMC officials, the proposed underpass project aims to provide significant traffic relief, enhance road connectivity, and create a more efficient travel corridor along this busy arterial route. The project received formal approval from the Bombay High Court in December 2025, clearing the legal pathway for its implementation. However, this judicial endorsement has not alleviated community concerns about the environmental impact.
Resident Concerns and Environmental Arguments
Major concerns emerged after NMMC's public notices indicated that 111 trees were slated for complete felling, while 329 trees were designated for transplantation. Residents argue that these decades-old trees form a vital green buffer along Palm Beach Road, contributing to air purification and ecological balance. They question the practicality of transplantation, pointing to studies showing survival rates for mature transplanted trees often fall below 40%.
Shrikant Patki, convenor of Palm Beach Greens Forum, emphasized, "We are not against development, but infrastructure must be planned responsibly. Alternatives such as an elevated road or flyover should be examined before destroying existing green cover. We already submitted formal objections to NMMC in response to notices pasted on the trees for felling and transportation of 440 trees."
Air Quality and Public Health Context
Residents highlight that Sanpada recorded hazardous air quality levels on New Year's Eve, describing the situation as a growing public health concern. Activists note that it typically takes 10 to 12 years for a tree to grow to a size where it can meaningfully contribute oxygen and support ecological balance. They argue that citizens cannot afford to lose existing greenery, demanding protection of green cover and a ban on indiscriminate tree felling.
Urban Forestry Standards and Climate Resilience
BN Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, provided critical context about urban forestry standards, stating, "The city's per capita tree cover is about one tree per person, against an urban norm of three. We need to triple our tree cover just to reach acceptable standards. Instead, we are debating cutting 440 mature trees. The need of the hour is strict implementation of the ‘3-30-300' urban forestry formula across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region — three visible trees from every home, 30% canopy cover in each locality, and access to a green space within 300 metres — a global benchmark seen as essential for cleaner air and climate resilience."
The protest represents a significant clash between infrastructure development priorities and environmental conservation efforts in one of India's rapidly urbanizing regions.
