Navi Mumbai:  Amidst growing environmental concerns, a proposal to cut 375 trees on a single plot in the MIDC area has sparked controversy. The decision by MIDC officials to grant permission for tree felling has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and activists.

Under the Tree Amendment Act 2021, introduced during Aditya Thackeray's tenure as Environment Minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, stringent guidelines were set to minimize tree cutting in developmental projects. However, despite these regulations, MIDC officials in Navi Mumbai have approved the cutting of all 375 trees in this particular proposal, citing administrative necessity.

Environmentalists have vehemently opposed this decision, emphasizing the importance of conserving trees for environmental balance. They have criticized the MIDC's approach, highlighting that the act mandates tree authorities to visit sites proposing tree cutting and advocate for the preservation of maximum trees possible.

Balasaheb Shinde, President of the Parivaran Seva Bhavi Sanstha in Navi Mumbai, expressed dismay over the decision, stating, "The Maharashtra Urban Areas (Satan) Trees Amendment Act 2021 clearly directs minimizing tree felling in projects affecting trees. MIDC officials must reconsider their stance and prioritize saving the maximum number of trees. Otherwise, we will launch strong protests."