Against claim of 9,300 trees, only 4,213 planted, NMC tells HC

Nagpur: An affidavit filed in Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Wednesday reveals big discrepancy in compensatory plantation linked to a key urban road project in the city. As per NMC, a private contractor claimed to have planted nearly 9,300 trees as part of compensatory afforestation for the London Street project. However, a joint inspection conducted on April 22 and 23 in the Telangkhedi area found only 4,213 trees on site, of which 3,986 were alive. The project required the contractor, Prafulved Infra Pvt Ltd, to plant 9,259 trees as compensation. Inspection findings highlighted a very substantial shortfall. NMC further stated that permission was granted in 2023 to cut 73 trees on plot No. 5, with a condition to plant 2,561 trees in return. Court has now directed a joint inspection of the plantation site at Telangkhedi and sought a detailed report. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the third week of June. TNN