The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday pulled up the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) after noticing that several trees across the city had once again been covered with concrete despite repeated court directives prohibiting the practice. The bench observed that the recurring violations were difficult to ignore and suggested that officials’ actions appeared to be driven by a hidden motive.
The remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by citizens Sharad Patil, Prachi Mahurkar, Yash Netke and Preeti Patel, seeking effective measures for the protection and conservation of trees in Nagpur. The matter was heard by a division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode.
Taking serious note of the issue, the court pointed out that while hundreds of trees had been freed from concrete following earlier orders, many others had been newly encased during the same period. The bench said this reflected a disturbing pattern rather than an isolated lapse.
The judges noted that NMC officials are present during road construction works and are well aware of both the court’s directions and the norms governing tree protection. Yet, the violations continue unabated, raising questions about the civic body’s commitment to complying with the law.
The court also highlighted the misuse of public funds, observing that taxpayers’ money is being spent first on concreting around trees and then again on removing it after judicial intervention. Such repeated conduct, the bench said, creates an impression that there may be an ulterior motive behind the actions of those responsible.
Advocate Jemini Kasat appeared for the NMC, while Advocate Radhika Bajaj represented the petitioners.
Directing the Municipal Commissioner to respond within a week, the High Court also sought the NMC’s stand on the petitioners’ demand that all road construction contracts include a mandatory clause ensuring that trees are not surrounded by concrete. The civic body has been asked to place its response on record through an affidavit.
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