Cement concrete has been applied around the trunks and roots of several trees during construction of a protective wall at Vasant Nagari’s ground and garden in Vasai East, prompting residents and environmental activists to demand immediate action from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation.
The protective wall is being built around the public ground and garden for security, according to a report by Loksatta. During the work, the contractor allegedly applied cement concrete directly against the trunks and roots of mature trees surrounding the site. These trees have provided shade for years and are used by local residents and pedestrians for rest.
The cement layer has covered areas around the roots and trunks, restricting the access of air and water to the trees, the report said. Residents have expressed concern that the affected trees could gradually dry out and eventually fall if the concrete is not removed.
The incident has also raised questions about how municipal construction work is being supervised in public open spaces. The report said the work was carried out in a manner that ignored rules relating to the protection of trees during construction. It did not include a response from the contractor or the municipal corporation to the allegations.
According to the report, guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal and courts require construction activity around trees to leave at least one metre, or about three feet, of open space around the trunk, with soil retained in that area. The reported work at Vasant Nagari appears to have left trees surrounded by concrete instead.
Local resident and advocate Anil Chavan, along with environmental activists, has sought strict action against the contractor and the immediate removal of concrete from the tree roots. Their demand is for the affected areas to be reopened so that soil, air and water can reach the trees.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of the municipal administration publicly promoting messages such as “plant trees and protect trees”, while residents say the work at Vasant Nagari reflects a gap between environmental messaging and construction practice. The immediate issue is whether the concrete will be removed and whether the corporation will investigate responsibility for the work.
No official action or timeline from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation was included in the supplied report. The next development will depend on the corporation’s response to residents’ complaints and on whether the concrete around the trees is removed.
