The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to provide comprehensive data on the number of trees transplanted for urban infrastructure projects and their survival rates. The move comes after a review found the civic body’s earlier affidavit insufficient, raising concerns over environmental safeguards amid Mumbai’s rapid urban expansion.
The tribunal’s scrutiny follows an application filed based on media reports highlighting the felling of nearly 21,000 trees across the city during infrastructure development projects. While the civic body submitted a detailed year-wise and ward-wise affidavit in December 2025, the tribunal noted that it did not fulfil a prior order mandating disclosure of the survival rates of transplanted trees. Officials observed that the gap in reporting limits the assessment of ecological impacts from urban construction initiatives. During the hearing, representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), MCGM, and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) were present. The Maharashtra Forest Department did not participate, although the tribunal indicated it was not a necessary party for this matter. A senior urban planner noted that the inclusion of multiple regulatory agencies underscores the complex interplay between development projects and environmental oversight in high-density cities like Mumbai.
The case highlights the tension between rapid infrastructure growth and urban environmental management. Mumbai, facing sustained pressure to expand roads, metro lines, and commercial corridors, relies on both tree transplantation and compensatory planting to offset ecological disruptions. Experts stress that data on survival rates is critical to understanding whether such mitigation measures effectively preserve urban green cover, protect biodiversity, and maintain local climate resilience. From an urban policy perspective, accurate monitoring of transplanted trees also informs sustainable land-use planning and helps regulate compliance with environmental norms. Analysts suggest that integrating geospatial mapping, IoT-enabled monitoring, and predictive survival modelling could significantly improve tracking and accountability for civic agencies.
The tribunal has scheduled further hearings, mandating that the MCGM submit precise records on the number of trees transplanted, their current health status, and follow-up interventions undertaken to enhance survival. Stakeholders emphasise that transparent reporting is essential to maintain public confidence in infrastructure development while protecting Mumbai’s ecological balance. As Mumbai continues to invest in transport, commercial, and civic projects, the outcome of this NGT directive will set a precedent for how urban authorities integrate environmental safeguards into city-wide infrastructure planning. Ensuring the long-term survival of transplanted trees is likely to influence future regulatory frameworks, promote climate-resilient urban development, and safeguard the city’s diminishing green corridors.
Mumbai NGT Seeks Tree Survival Data From MCGM
