The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has come under fire from environmental activists after nearly 20 trees were found within the barricaded area of a project-affected person (PAP) plot at Pawane, despite its assurance to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that no trees would be touched.
NatConnect Foundation, led by director B N Kumar, raised the alarm claiming that MIDC has violated the solemn undertaking it submitted on oath to the NGT’s western zonal bench. The undertaking assured that no trees existed on the plot, carved out of open space OS-7, and that none would be cut during the allotment for a boarding and lodging facility.
Kumar, who had earlier moved the NGT in November against the allotment, said he was shocked to find trees inside the barricaded PAP plot. “This is a direct contradiction of the MIDC’s affidavit. The corporation had clearly stated that the 300-metre plot would be carved out in a way that no trees were included,” he said.
Through his counsel Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, Kumar has issued a legal notice to MIDC and the allottee, warning them against any attempt to cut trees. The notice, which has also been sent to the Chief Minister and the State Forest Minister, cautions that NatConnect reserves the right to pursue legal action, including prosecution at the NGT, and demand environmental compensation.
State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik had earlier opposed the PAP plot allotment in a green patch developed by a private petrochemical company. He urged MIDC to explore alternative options while stressing that “green cover in the chemical belt must be maintained at any cost.”
The NatConnect notice has set a seven-day deadline for MIDC to confirm that no trees have been cut and that the boundaries of the allotted plot will remain strictly in line with the NGT order. Failure to comply, the notice warned, would invite “appropriate proceedings and prosecution before the Hon’ble NGT and other fora.”