Maharashtra State Tree Authority (MSTA), in its 8th meeting, allowed to fell 25 heritage trees in city for three different projects on the proposal of Nagpur Municipal Corporation recently. In the first proposal, NMC sought permission from MSTA to fell six heritage trees for the construction of 6-lane cable stayed Railway over Bridge (RoB) at Ajni. NMC, in the proposal, informed that it is the project of Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MRIDCL) at Ajni. Project Proponent has confirmed that the compensatory plantation of the trees would be undertaken at Dighori Railway Station Yard. Total of 1,168 trees are proposed to be planted as a compensatory plantation. MRIDCL also informed the Authority that it will use ‘Miyawaki’ plantation method for compensatory plantation. The Authority advised MRIDCL to plant new trees of native species as part of compensatory plantation equivalent to the cumulative age of the trees which are proposed to be cut under this project.

 

It also instructed to ensure that the new trees planted as a part of the compensatory plantation should be geo-tagged and monitored using the latest technologies available and also ensure that the trees survive. NMC also sought permission to cut 41 trees including 9 heritage trees proving as an obstruction for the construction of 5.50 mtr service road at LIC Square on Kamptee Road. MSTA allowed to fell 9 heritage trees of this project with a condition to plant 1,401 saplings as compensatory plantation at Ambazari forest land that comes under the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited. Similarly, MSTA has also allowed to chop 10 heritage trees that are proving as an obstruction for the flyover at Amravati Road from RTO to University Campus. MSTA asked project proponent to plant 663 sapling as compensatory plantation at LIT College Premises before felling the 10 heritage trees.