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The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) town planning department has allegedly sanctioned a building plan on a plot of land off South Ambazari Road in Nagpur, India, even though the tree officer had not yet given approval to cut trees on the site, according to recent reports. As per section 19 of Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, permission of the tree officer is necessary before sanctioning building plans on plots containing trees.
The landowner, Purva Vidarbha Mahila Parishad, is accused of cutting many trees and starting construction several before the necessary permissions had been obtained. Images available on Google Earth show that there were many trees at the spot where construction is going on, and that mounds of soil have been dumped on the area.
Former member of the NMC’s Tree Authority, Sachin Khobragade, lodged a complaint on April 6 with the NMC garden department demanding action for cutting down a large number of trees without obtaining the necessary permissions from the NMC. Khobragade also stated that the NMC’s town planning department cannot sanction building plans before obtaining the necessary permissions from the tree officer.
Officials from the NMC's town planning department have stated that the building plan was sanctioned in August 2019, and that no activities were taking place during their last visit six months ago. They speculated that the construction might have started later, and that the Parishad had submitted a revised building plan. The organization has been directed to obtain permission from the tree officer, and until that time the revised sanction will be pending.
On March 29, the NMC garden department issued a notice seeking suggestions and objections on the proposal submitted by the organization to cut down 12 trees. However, Khobragade claims that more than 12 trees will be affected by the construction. Despite Khobragade’s complaint, the NMC garden department has yet to visit the site and take action. NMC garden superintendent Amol Chorpagar assured that they will visit the site for verification.
Cutting down trees without permission is a serious offence under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. The act provides for penalties that include imprisonment and fines for violators. The act is intended to promote the protection and preservation of trees in urban areas, which are essential for the maintenance of a healthy environment. Trees help to reduce air pollution, provide shade and cooling, and support the biodiversity of the area.
It is essential that government officials, organizations, and individuals abide by the laws and regulations regarding the protection and preservation of trees. While development is important, it should not come at the cost of environmental degradation and the destruction of natural resources. The government should ensure that the necessary permissions and safeguards are in place before construction begins, and that any violations are dealt with strictly and expeditiously.
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