Panvel’s municipal authorities have initiated a formal review of widespread complaints regarding trees being smothered by layers of concrete across the city, following a sustained citizen-led campaign. The civic body has confirmed that the matter has been transferred to its construction division for further assessment—marking the first administrative response since concerns were raised publicly. The issue carries broader implications for Panvel’s urban resilience as the city expands rapidly and green assets come under pressure.
The concerns were escalated after a local environmental collective began systematically mapping sites where tree bases had been paved over, leaving little to no space for soil aeration. Representatives from the group noted that the situation extends far beyond a few isolated stretches, citing early evidence of tree stress such as dry bark, fungal growth, and reduced canopy spread. Over 100 trees have already been geo-tagged and photographed, with documentation shared digitally with the municipal administration. According to the volunteers, the scale of damage suggests that several thousand trees may require urgent attention. A volunteer explained that concrete placed tightly around trunks restricts oxygen flow to roots, weakens structural stability, and heightens the risk of tree collapse during storms—an issue that becomes critical as climate-related weather extremes rise.
The collective has placed three major recommendations before the civic body. These include a citywide audit of trees encased in concrete, a formal mechanism for citizens to report damage, and full adherence to existing environmental guidelines such as maintaining one metre of open soil around each tree and prohibiting fixtures on trunks. Officials acknowledged that such norms are often overlooked during road repairs and footpath works carried out under multiple departments. To strengthen the evidence base, the group is encouraging residents to photograph affected trees during daily routines and submit geo-tagged images to the civic body. An official familiar with the process said citizen participation would help the municipality prioritise high-risk zones and plan phased interventions without delaying ongoing projects.
The initiative has also expanded beyond documentation. The collective is seeking support from content creators to amplify awareness, and from legal professionals to ensure orders issued by environmental regulators are implemented effectively. Urban planners note that safeguarding existing trees is one of the most cost-efficient ways to retain shade, reduce heat islands, and increase carbon sequestration in rapidly urbanising regions such as Panvel. Activists emphasise that the campaign is part of a long-term effort to protect remaining green cover as the city continues to urbanise. While the civic body’s initial response marks a start, residents expect regular updates and transparent timelines for de-choking trees. Strengthening green infrastructure, they argue, is central to building a more climate-resilient and liveable Panvel.
Panvel Municipal Corporation Reviews Complaints After GREW Movement Documents Trees Choked In Panvel
