Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the municipal authorities to conduct a detailed verification of compensatory plantation undertaken for tree felling linked to the Orange Street project.A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode issued the directive while hearing a suo motu PIL initiated on the basis of a complaint highlighting tree cutting in the Khapri-Khamla area. The court asked the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit a comprehensive report detailing how many trees were planted as compensation, how many survived, and whether the plantation meets prescribed norms. Lawyer Gnyandeep Bhongade had alleged that several mature trees were felled near Khamla market for the proposed “London Street” component of the project. The complaint warned that unchecked deforestation could adversely affect the local microclimate and lead to reduced oxygen levels in the densely populated area. During the hearing, the bench took note of claims made by the project developer that compensatory plantation was already carried out. However, the court emphasised the need for independent verification. It directed civic officials to conduct a ground-level inspection and place verified data on record.The court also noted references in the complaint to another large commercial development, a mall, indicating cumulative environmental stress in the area. It underscored that urban development projects must adhere strictly to environmental safeguards, particularly when they involve the removal of established green cover.Legal representatives assisting the court, including amicus curiae Rahul Dhande, and counsel for the municipal corporation, Gemini Kasat, participated in the proceedings.The matter has been scheduled for further hearing next week, with the court expecting a factual and detailed compliance report.
