The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the shrinking green cover in the city while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on air pollution.
A Division Bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode observed that Nagpur, once recognised for its greenery, has witnessed a steady decline in tree cover over the years. The judges noted that the city no longer presents the same green landscape when viewed from above, with expanding concrete development increasingly replacing natural spaces.
The remarks came during the court’s examination of measures being implemented to improve air quality and curb pollution levels in the city. In response, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) submitted a detailed affidavit outlining various initiatives undertaken with funds received for pollution-control measures.
The affidavit stated that the Centre has allocated Rs 200.93 crore to the civic body under the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission for air pollution mitigation. Of the sanctioned amount, Rs 95.76 crore has already been utilised on projects such as the purchase of 144 electric buses, installation of EV charging stations, procurement of mechanised road-cleaning equipment, pollution-control systems at crematoria including Gangabai Ghat and Mokshadham, creation of green spaces, road improvement works, traffic junction upgrades and strengthening of air-quality monitoring infrastructure.
During the hearing, the court also questioned the rationale behind carrying out compensatory afforestation outside Nagpur when thousands of trees are being felled within the city for development and infrastructure projects. The Bench indicated that plantation efforts should focus on restoring greenery within urban limits to offset the loss of the city’s diminishing tree cover.
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