Pawane’s Green Cover Faces Development Threat, Over 200 Trees in Navi Mumbai at Risk
The green belt in Pawane, Navi Mumbai, spanning 3,600 square metres and home to over 200 mature trees, is facing imminent threats as plans for commercial development gain traction. This development has sparked environmental concerns, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stepping in to seek clarity from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The contentious issue revolves around a portion of the land, 300 square metres, being allocated for the construction of a hotel as part of rehabilitation for project-affected persons (PAPs).
The land, designated as open space in a chemical zone under the region’s Development Plan, is protected by the Comprehensive Development Control and Promotion Regulations (CDCPR) 2023. These regulations explicitly prohibit construction activities in such zones, further intensifying the debate between development needs and ecological preservation. B.N. Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation, has spearheaded the opposition, underscoring the ecological value of the land in an area burdened by industrial pollution. The petition highlights that green buffer zones are critical in highly industrialised regions to combat pollution and maintain ecological balance. Environmentalists argue that the felling of over 200 fully grown trees would have far-reaching consequences on public health and biodiversity. While they do not oppose resettlement efforts for PAPs, they stress that alternative sites must be considered to protect this green space.
In its notice, the NGT has directed MIDC to address the concerns and clarify its stance on the proposed development. This intervention has brought the larger issue of safeguarding urban green spaces into focus, particularly in regions where industrial activities dominate. The Pawane case underscores the persistent tension between development and conservation. It raises critical questions about sustainable urban planning, especially in a rapidly urbanising region like Navi Mumbai. As stakeholders await MIDC’s response, the case could set a precedent for future decisions involving green zones in industrial areas.