A green patch in Pawane, Navi Mumbai, spanning 3,600 square meters and home to over 200 mature trees, has come under scrutiny as plans for commercial development have been opposed. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) following a petition filed by an environmentalist. The land, designated as open space within a chemical zone, has been partially allotted by MIDC. It has been reported that 300 square meters of the green space were allocated to a project-affected person (PAP) for the construction of a hotel. Concerns have been raised that this development could lead to the felling of over 200 fully grown trees, which are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in the area.
The petition, filed by B.N. Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, has emphasized the environmental risks associated with the proposed development. It has been pointed out that the MIDC region is heavily industrialized, with chemical factories and industries contributing significantly to pollution. The need for green buffer zones in such areas has been stressed in the plea. In the petition, it has also been highlighted that these open spaces are marked as "Open Spaces" in the region’s Development Plan and are protected under Regulation 3.4.3 of the Comprehensive Development Control and Promotion Regulations (CDCPR) of 2023. Construction in such designated areas is strictly prohibited under these regulations, as stated by the petitioner’s counsel, Ronita Bhattacharya.
While no objection to the resettlement of PAPs has been expressed by the petitioner, it has been suggested that alternate land could be provided to avoid encroachment on the green space. It has been argued that the destruction of this green cover would have long-term repercussions for the environment and public health, particularly in a zone already burdened by industrial pollution. The NGT’s western zonal bench has directed MIDC to respond to these concerns and explain its position on the matter. The notice has brought attention to the need for safeguarding designated green spaces, especially in industrial areas, where their ecological role as pollution buffers is critical.
The case has underscored the ongoing conflict between development and environmental conservation, calling for a balanced approach to urban planning.
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