HC demands zone-wise data on de-choking of trees

Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay high court on Friday sought detailed zone-wise information on how many trees across the city were freed from cement and concrete encasing their trunks.A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode directed authorities to place on record a comprehensive report indicating the number of trees that were dechoked and the zones where such work was undertaken. The bench also cautioned that if complete and satisfactory information is not submitted, the court may require authorities to disclose the names of responsible officials.
The directions were issued during the hearing of two PILs relating to large-scale concretisation around trees in Nagpur and the alleged violation of urban environmental norms. The court observed that cement and concrete laid tightly around tree trunks can obstruct water absorption and restrict root growth, often resulting in long-term damage or even the death of trees.One of the petitions was initiated in 2018 after the court took suo motu cognisance of tree felling across the city. A separate petition was later filed by environmental expert Sharad Patil and three others, seeking removal of concrete around trees and implementation of measures to protect urban greenery.During earlier proceedings, the court appointed a committee of three lawyers to inspect cement roads and examine trees surrounded by concrete structures. The committee's findings revealed that as many as 528 trees in the city were encased in cement or concrete, a condition described as a serious violation of urban green regulations.Radhika Bajaj assisted the court as amicus curiae in the matter. The state govt was represented by NS Rao, while Gemini Kasat appeared for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.