MBMC withdraws decision to axe 3,267 trees after outcry

The plot reserved for a garden where trees will be chopped down in order to build a pool

Days after mid-day reported about the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) issuing a notice calling for the removal of 3,267 trees from a reserved garden plot at Ramdev Park in Mira Road to build an Olympic-size swimming pool, the civic body said it would seek an alternative location for the project.

mid-day, in its October 28 report ‘Notice claims trees will be replanted but doesn't elaborate', highlighted concerns raised by social activist Krishna Gupta, who also sent a letter to MBMC and other relevant departments to prevent environmental damage from taking place.

The MBMC informed mid-day via email, "Work on constructing an Olympic-size swimming pool and gymnasium on the garden plot of Bhayander (PU) Division No. 12, reserved under the Basic Sleeping Facility Fund of the Maharashtra government has been halted. Public notices were issued to notify the public and initiate action. However, numerous environmental advocates, citizens, social organisations, public representatives and the municipal corporation have voiced strong objections regarding this matter. Recognising the need to strike a proper balance between development and the environment, it has been decided to change the location from reservation no. 230, where the swimming pool and gymnasium were initially planned, to elsewhere."

The civic body had also posted this message on social media in Marathi.

Last year, the MBMC conducted a plantation drive in the park, during which over 10,000 trees were planted in the presence of the MBMC chief, deputy commissioner and mayor.

Gupta, told mid-day, "On October 23, 2023, the MBMC proposed the removal of over 3,000 trees to construct a swimming pool in garden reservation plot no. 230 in Mira Road. However, due to media reports, public outrage and hundreds of objection emails, Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar has retracted the decision to construct the swimming pool at the expense of the environment. We are pleased that the corporation has acknowledged the public's concerns and chosen to protect the city's existing trees. Thank you, mid-day, for highlighting this issue."

10,000
No. of trees planted during 2022 drive