Nagpur: Nearly 9,000 trees in Nagpur are slowly suffocating under layers of concrete, prompting the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court to issue a stern ultimatum to the State Government and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The court has ordered that all concrete choking trees across the city must be freed within 15 days, warning of strict action in case of non-compliance.
Hearing two long-pending public interest litigations on Friday, a division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode made it clear that continued neglect of urban greenery would no longer be tolerated. The court directed authorities to complete the “de-choking” process, removal of cement and concrete laid around tree trunks, within the stipulated deadline, failing which erring officials would face serious consequences.
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07 Feb 2026
The matter pertains to rampant concretisation around trees and indiscriminate felling in the name of development projects. One of the PILs was initiated suo motu by the High Court in 2018 after taking cognisance of large-scale tree cutting across the city, while the other was filed by environmental expert Sharad Patil and three others, demanding that all trees in Nagpur be made concrete-free.
During earlier hearings, a three-member committee of advocates appointed by the court conducted an on-ground inspection of trees trapped within cement roads and pavements. The committee’s report, submitted to the court, revealed shocking violations of urban environmental norms. The inspection found hundreds of trees encased in concrete, depriving them of air and water, conditions that threaten their survival.
On Friday, the bench observed discrepancies between figures submitted by the Divisional Commissioner and those mentioned in the committee’s report, noting the likelihood of duplication. However, after assessing all records, the court concluded that the total number of concrete-choked trees in Nagpur does not exceed 9,000. Granting what it termed a “final opportunity,” the bench directed the State Government and NMC to ensure complete de-choking of all such trees within 15 days.
The court further ordered that if the deadline is missed, names of officials responsible for failing to discharge their duties must be placed on record, signalling the possibility of personal accountability.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 27. Advocate Radhika Bajaj assisted the court as amicus curiae, while Advocate N.S. Rao appeared for the State Government.
Earlier, the court had constituted a committee comprising Advocates P.S. Gavai, R.V. Gehlot and Pushkar Ghare to survey concrete roads and encased trees and submit a report. Appreciating the committee’s work, the court directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to bear all expenses incurred during inspections and preparation of the report.
