121 trees to be axed for road project in Navi Mumbai

NMMC seeks suggestions, objections from residents; says it will replant 400 trees

Around 121 trees are proposed to be cut for the first phase of the Airoli-Katai Naka elevated road project, which also includes the construction of a tunnel.

The trees are located along the Thane-Belapur road in Airoli. More trees will be cut as the project progresses.

The plan has upset tree lovers and environmentalists in the city, who are questioning the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s decision to cut trees, when the city needs more greenery.

The NMMC has pasted notices on the trees located near Siemens company premises.

These include 121 old trees and also those which were planted as part of Swachh Abhiyan. A total of 343 trees will be shifted as per the plan.

NMMC has sought suggestions and objections from the residents on its plan.

The notice states that the action is being taken as per the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plan.

Tushar Pawar, NMMC deputy municipal commissioner ( garden), said, “The MMRDA had written to NMMC about this. So we sought suggestions and objections from residents on the tree cutting issue. A total of 400 trees will be planted in lieu of the 121 trees cut. Based on the responses from the residents, we will take further action.”

Objecting to the plan, leading social activist from the city, Sandeep Thakur, said, “I will take up the issue with the civic body. The NMMC should ensure that the environment is not destroyed. On the one hand, it talks about planting trees and on the other hand, hundreds of trees are being destroyed all over the city in the name of development.”

Aba Ranware, an environmentalist, said, “Tall claims are being made about replantation, but one seldom sees the promise being kept. How will shifting them help? The areas they will be shifted from will face severe pollution, because most are located near chemical industries.”

Airoli – Katai naka (Kalyan) elevated road project

The much delayed project will connect Navi Mumbai directly to Kalyan. At present, motorists have to take the busy Mahape or Thane route to reach Kalyan. The direct road will cut the distance between Navi Mumbai and Kalyan by 7 km and reduce the travel time by almost 30 minutes. The road will also benefit motorists heading towards Dombivli, Ulhasnagar and Ambernath

The project is being undertaken by the MMRDA at an estimated cost of ₹385 crore

The project entails 15 km elevated road, which includes 1.5 km long tunnel that will go through Parsik Hill. It will be the longest tunnel in the MMR region

The first phase includes construction of 900 m of the three-lane elevated road between Bharat Bijlee and Siemens company along Airoli railway station. A four-lane tunnel too, will be built in the first phase. It will extend from Siemens company to Shil Phata

The project has been delayed due to the delay in approvals from MIDC and forest department