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A non-profit organisation has filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to prevent commercial development on an open space in Navi Mumbai's Pawane chemical zone, home to over 200 trees. The plot, known as OS-7, has been allocated for a hotel by MIDC, raising concerns among environmentalists about the loss of green space that serves as a pollution buffer between the chemical zone and a residential area. MIDC's recent move to reclaim the land has sparked further debate, with environmental groups urging alternative resettlement solutions for project-affected persons (PAPs).
A non-profit organisation has submitted a petition to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), seeking to halt the commercial development of a designated open space in the Pawane chemical zone in Navi Mumbai, which is home to over 200 trees. The plot, identified as OS-7, has been earmarked for a hotel, boarding, and lodging facility by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), raising concerns among environmental groups about the potential loss of greenery in the industrial zone. Advertisement
BN Kumar, the director of NatConnect Foundation, which filed the petition, highlighted that green spaces in industrial zones like Pawane play a crucial role in controlling pollution and safeguarding public health. He emphasised that destroying such spaces not only harms the environment but also sets a dangerous precedent for future changes in land use.
The 3,600-square-metre land was initially leased in 2000 for tree plantation and has since developed into a green belt. The trees in the area serve as a buffer between the nearby chemical zone and a residential neighbourhood. In 2008, MIDC decided to reclaim the land for allotment to project-affected persons (PAPs), though formal communication of this decision was only made in early 2024. Environmental groups contend that the PAPs could be resettled elsewhere without compromising the green belt.
An RTI reply from MIDC, signed by the area manager of Mahape, stated that the open space in the TTC industrial area was originally allocated for tree plantation under a 10-year agreement from 2000 to 2010. Since this agreement expired some time ago, MIDC has decided to reclaim the space to meet current requirements.
In conclusion, the decision to develop the green space has sparked environmental concerns, highlighting the importance of preserving such areas for public health. As infrastructure developments continue, it's crucial to balance growth with environmental conservation to protect Mumbai's ecological wellbeing.
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