Civic chief Kailas Shinde directs officials to keep tree bases open to support healthy growth and reduce the risk of trees falling.

The Order

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a special drive to protect the city’s trees and reduce the risk of tree-fall incidents during the monsoon.

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to remove unnecessary concrete, asphalt and paver blocks placed around tree trunks. The civic body has instructed that at least one metre of open space should be maintained around trees, while larger trees should have around 1.5 metres of open soil.

Experts highlighted that trees often become weak when their roots do not get enough space to grow. Cutting roots during road and construction work, improper pruning and uneven growth can also increase the chances of trees falling. The NMMC has directed officials to ensure that tree pruning is carried out scientifically. It has also asked authorities to give preference to native tree species while undertaking plantation drives.

During construction and roadwork, special attention will be given to protecting tree roots from damage during excavation. The civic body also warned that anyone cutting or damaging trees without permission could face legal action.

The initiative aims to improve the health of Navi Mumbai’s trees, preserve the city’s green cover and make roads and public spaces safer, particularly during the monsoon season.

Rs 21.06 lakh street light relocation project faces scrutiny over allegations that work began before tender process was completed.

The Street Lights

Preparations for the Formula 4 night race in Nerul’s Jewel area have raised questions over a proposed NMMC project to relocate street lights from the road divider.

The civic body has proposed spending around Rs 21.06 lakh on shifting the street light infrastructure to make way for the racing event. The work reportedly includes relocating around 90 street light poles, along with nearly 2,395 metres of electrical cable and 2,015 metres of pipeline, among other electrical works.

However, concerns have been raised over the tender process. Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy city chief Sameer Amin Bagwan has alleged that some work may have been carried out even before the tender procedure was completed. He has demanded an independent and impartial inquiry into the matter.

Bagwan has called for a physical measurement of the work already completed and a comparison with the quantities mentioned in the tender. He also questioned whether previously completed work is being repeated, potentially resulting in unnecessary expenditure from public funds.

He has further sought scrutiny of work orders, administrative and technical approvals, as well as payment-related documents. Bagwan said that if the inquiry finds any violation of rules or financial loss to the civic body, those responsible should face action and any loss to public funds should be recovered.

The allegations are expected to be examined by the civic administration as part of the inquiry.

Activist demands removal of illegal encroachments and action against alleged irregularities in NMMC’s anti-encroachment department.

Hunger Strike

Growing frustration over alleged encroachments in Vashi has led labour leader Pradeep Waghmare to begin an indefinite hunger strike outside the Vashi ward office.

Waghmare is demanding the removal of alleged illegal encroachments in the marginal spaces around Sectors 9, 10, 15 and 17. He claims that several shopkeepers have occupied open spaces in front of their establishments and are using them for commercial purposes. According to him, some of these spaces have even been given on rent.

Waghmare has also questioned the functioning of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) anti-encroachment department. He alleges that officials often take strict action against small vendors and hawkers while larger commercial establishments with alleged encroachments escape similar scrutiny. He has called for equal enforcement of rules and action against officials allegedly involved in irregularities.

This is not the first time Waghmare has protested over the issue. He had undertaken a hunger strike on March 12, following which the administration reportedly gave him a written assurance that action would be taken within eight days. However, Waghmare claims that several months have passed without the promised action. He has now made it clear that the protest will continue until the alleged encroachments are removed and action is taken on his complaints regarding the civic department.

The protest has once again brought attention to the long-standing concerns over encroachments and enforcement in Vashi.