Minister Halts Killing of 1200 Trees for Sewage Treatment Plant, Seeks Alternative Site

Mumbai:In a swift response to mounting concerns from residents and environmental activists, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has stepped in to halt the controversial plan by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to remove 1,208 trees for the expansion of a sewage treatment plant (STP). The decision to stop the tree removal comes after a report by mid-day brought attention to the uproar surrounding the destruction of trees in the garden located on Kanakia Road in Mira Road.

Following a series of protests by locals, Sarnaik instructed municipal officials to explore an alternative location for the STP away from the residential area. In addition, barricades that had been placed around the garden to facilitate construction work were removed as per his directive. Sarnaik personally visited the garden on March 2 to meet with protesters and hear their concerns. During his visit, he spoke to MBMC Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, urging him to halt the removal of the trees and explore other viable options for the STP’s expansion.

Sarnaik emphasized, “Though the sewage treatment plant is essential, it should not come at the expense of destroying hundreds of trees. Residents will naturally oppose such a plan if it leads to environmental harm.”

The proposal to remove the trees had sparked significant unrest among Mira Road residents, especially joggers who frequent the park. The BMC had planted over 1,000 trees in the garden eight years ago, which now provides a vital green space for the community. Activists had accused MBMC officials of bypassing protocols and pushing for the removal of trees to benefit private contractors.

The issue gained further momentum after mid-day’s reports highlighted the widespread opposition to the project. On March 2, nearly 500 locals and activists formed a human chain in the garden, carrying placards demanding the preservation of the trees. They thanked mid-day for bringing the issue to light and uniting the community.

Advocate Krishna Gupta, a local activist, had been campaigning against the tree removal since November 2024. He stated, “The articles in mid-day helped me channel my efforts and mobilize the community. The government and MBMC had shown no concern for the environment, but the media's support helped us stand together and demand action."

Gupta praised Sarnaik’s prompt action, calling it a “remarkable victory” for the environment and the local community. He urged MBMC to consider environmental sustainability in future development projects, stating, "This is a reminder that development and nature conservation can go hand in hand."

Deepak Khambit, City Engineer of MBMC, confirmed that they are currently exploring alternative locations for the STP. He added, “The minister has asked us to evaluate whether the STP can be relocated. We will submit our findings to the commissioner in the coming weeks and decide the next steps.”

Sailesh Mishra, a local resident, expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of the community, stating, “Thanks to the timely action of activists and the leadership of Pratap Sarnaik, we have successfully prevented the destruction of our green space. We are grateful to mid-day for empowering us to protect our environment.”