Plan to Cut 1,208 Trees in Mira Bhayandar Scrapped After Public Opposition

Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has decided to scrap its controversial plan to cut 1,208 trees at the Gyan Jyoti Savitribai Phule Udyan, a popular garden frequented by joggers, for the installation of a sewage treatment plant (STP). The decision comes after intense opposition from local residents and environmental activists, who voiced their concerns over the environmental impact of the tree-cutting.

The issue gained significant attention when Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is also the MLA of the region, visited the park on Tuesday. Sarnaik directed municipal officials to explore alternative locations for the proposed STP, emphasizing the need for a balance between development and environmental protection.

"While residents require civic amenities, these cannot come at the expense of destroying our green spaces," Sarnaik stated. "I have instructed MBMC to find an alternative site for the STP to ensure that the garden's ecosystem remains intact."

The proposed tree-cutting plan sparked outrage among local residents, who had raised concerns about the irreversible environmental consequences of removing mature trees. The plan also drew criticism for its lack of transparency, with many accusing the MBMC of sidelining public opinion. In response, residents organized protests and formed a human chain around the park, calling on the authorities to reconsider the decision.

Sarnaik's intervention, supported by environmental activists such as Dheeraj Parab, Pradeep Jangam, and Advocate Krishna Gupta, led to the immediate suspension of the tree-cutting plan. The minister also held discussions with MBMC officials, including Additional Commissioner Sachin Bangar, City Engineer Deepak Khambit, and Assistant Commissioner Kanchan Gaikwad, to explore other options for the STP's location.

The decision has been hailed as a victory for the residents of approximately 30 housing societies in the area, who had been actively protesting the proposal. Local environmentalists have welcomed the move, urging the MBMC to prioritize eco-friendly solutions in future development plans.

Advocate Krishna Gupta, one of the leading activists, said, "This victory belongs to the people. It is a clear reminder that citizen participation can make a real difference in preserving our environment. We hope that future projects will be planned with greater public consultation."

This development highlights the ongoing debate between urban infrastructure expansion and environmental sustainability. While the MBMC is tasked with improving civic infrastructure, residents and activists continue to stress the importance of preserving green spaces, especially in rapidly growing urban areas like Mira Bhayandar.

With the tree-cutting plan now scrapped, the MBMC is expected to explore alternative locations for the STP, ensuring that both environmental concerns and the civic needs of the community are addressed in a balanced manner.