Preparations to fell and transplant 70 trees, including a 277-year-old peepal classified as a heritage tree, for a proposed parking facility linked to the Maharashtra Legislature (Vidhan Bhavan) expansion in Civil Lines have sparked objections from environmentalists, who allege multiple statutory clearances are missing.
The proposal has been submitted by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). According to the application, several trees earmarked for removal are over 100 years old. Of the total, 37 trees are proposed to be cut or transplanted from one plot and 33 from another.
The species list includes key shade-bearing and fruit trees such as ashoka, umbar, gulmohar, mango, coconut, champa, kadunimb, palm and tamarind. Officials said 35 trees stand within the Vidhan Bhavan premises, while the remaining 35 are on NMC land near the Government Press, reserved for parking.
After the NMC Garden Department invited objections, around 25 environmentalists objected to tree removal on the Government Press-side land, while two citizens opposed felling within the Vidhan Bhavan campus. Objectors claim that mandatory approvals—including an NOC from the Heritage Conservation Committee—have not been obtained, and that additional clearances are required due to proximity to defence and police establishments.
Environmentalists also cited Supreme Court directives barring construction on land reserved for public use, warning that the project could face delays or legal hurdles. Civic officials said objections will be examined before any final decision.
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