Nagpur: MahaMetro has refuted allegations that around 2,500 trees were felled on land belonging to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), stating that 249 trees were actually cut after obtaining permission from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).

The issue had sparked concerns among environmentalists, who alleged that nearly 2,500 trees had been chopped or felled on NEERI land reportedly allotted to MahaMetro for utilisation for the benefit of Metro commuters.

Environmental groups had also raised questions over the possible diversion of the land for commercial purposes and whether it could eventually benefit a private party. They sought clarity on the terms and conditions under which the land was allotted, the permissions obtained for tree felling and the purpose for which the land is currently being utilised.

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Speaking exclusively to Nagpur Today, MahaMetro DGM (PR) Akhilesh Halve said the tree cutting was carried out after securing the necessary permission from the NMC.

“The permission for cutting trees was granted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation around six months ago. On the basis of that permission, 249 trees were cut,” Halve said.

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He categorically rejected the claim that around 2,500 trees had been felled.

“The allegation that around 2,500 trees were cut is not correct. The actual number of trees felled was 249,” he said.

MahaMetro claims 6,000 saplings planted

Responding to concerns over the environmental impact of the tree felling, Halve said MahaMetro had undertaken compensatory plantation on a significantly larger scale.

“Against the felling of 249 trees on NEERI land, around 6,000 saplings have been planted in lieu of the trees that were cut,” he said.

MahaMetro’s claim means the compensatory plantation is several times higher than the number of trees it says were felled.

No decision to hand over land to private party

Another key concern raised by environmentalists was the alleged possibility of the land being diverted for commercial use by a private party.

MahaMetro has denied that any such decision has been taken.

Halve clarified, “At present, the land is with MahaMetro only. No decision of any sort has been taken to hand over or divert the land to any private party for commercial purposes.”

He further stated that there is currently no arrangement or decision involving a private party regarding the utilisation of the land.

Questions over future use remain

The MahaMetro clarification addresses the two principal allegations — the number of trees felled and the possibility of the land being diverted for private commercial use.

While MahaMetro maintains that only 249 trees were cut with NMC permission and that around 6,000 saplings have been planted as compensation, environmentalists have continued to seek greater clarity over the land’s allotment and its intended use.

The issue also brings into focus the permissions and conditions governing the use of NEERI land, along with the environmental safeguards applicable to infrastructure or development activity on the site.

Further disclosure of the allotment terms, NMC permissions and the long-term utilisation plan for the land could help address the concerns raised by environmental groups.

Nagpur Today will continue to follow the matter and report responses from the concerned authorities and stakeholders.