NGT Notice to MIDC Over Green Space Threat in Pawane
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a significant step by issuing a notice to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) concerning the potential threat to an essential green patch in Pawane, Navi Mumbai. This area, currently home to over 200 full-grown trees, is at risk of being cleared for commercial development, a move that has raised alarm among environmentalists.
The issue surfaced when an environmental plea was filed by B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, seeking to preserve the green space in question. MIDC had allotted a 300-square-metre portion of the 3,600-square-metre open space (OS-7) to a project-affected person (PAP) for a hotel project. However, concerns have arisen over the environmental cost of such commercial development, which could involve the destruction of 34 trees to allow for access and construction. The NGT has asked MIDC to respond to these concerns, particularly regarding the likely destruction of trees, which form a critical part of the buffer zone in an area already dominated by chemical processing industries. These industries, known for emitting pollutants, require green spaces to act as environmental buffers, ensuring safety and mitigating air pollution risks.
According to Kumar, the green patch has been maintained by Expanded Polymer Systems Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Expanded Incorporation), which planted and nurtured these trees over two decades. The area is also classified as an ‘Open Space’ under the region’s Comprehensive Development Control and Promotion Regulations (CDCPR) of 2023, which restricts construction on such lands. The CDCPR specifies that only specific structures such as gyms, libraries, and recreational facilities are permitted in open spaces, but not commercial ventures like hotels or restaurants.
Kumar’s petition highlights the importance of maintaining green zones in industrial areas to protect public health and the environment. The NGT’s decision to review this case underscores the growing importance of preserving urban green spaces, which are crucial for the welfare of nearby communities, such as the Pawane village, which is already grappling with chemical pollution. The Tribunal’s upcoming hearing on 10th February 2025, will determine the future of this green space and whether MIDC’s decision to allot the land for commercial use will be allowed to proceed. Environmental advocates hope that the NGT will prioritize sustainability and the preservation of vital green lungs in the face of growing urbanization.
