The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has raised serious concerns over the failure to plant trees under the proposed “London Street” development project, despite claims that thousands of saplings would be planted.As per information submitted by a court-appointed amicus curiae, not a single tree has been planted on the stretch between Sneha Nagar Road and Jayatala Road, where 5,771 saplings were supposed to be planted by the executing agency.
The company had reportedly assured that over 10,000 trees would be planted, but the ground reality reflects zero plantation so far.Taking note of the discrepancy, the High Court has directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a clear report on how many trees have actually been planted to date.The issue was brought before the court by local resident and environmental activist through a written complaint highlighting large-scale tree cutting in the Khama area for the project. The petition warned of serious environmental consequences, including reduced oxygen levels and ecological imbalance in the region.
During the hearing, the court also noted that several existing trees had already been cut near the project site, further aggravating environmental concerns.Court Seeks AccountabilityThe bench questioned whether any action had been initiated against the contractor for failing to comply with plantation norms. It has directed authorities to clarify accountability and submit a detailed status report within a week.
The court also reiterated its earlier directive that no further tree cutting should take place until a proper tree census is conducted and submitted before the court.The matter has intensified scrutiny on the civic body’s implementation of environmental safeguards in urban infrastructure projects.
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