NMC Awakens to Tree Felling Issue at Ambazari Lake
The Garden Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has stirred from inactivity regarding the urgent matter of tree felling on the Ambazari lake slope. The Irrigation Department initiated the tree-cutting without proper permission from the civic body, prompting the NMC to publish a public notice inviting objections to the proposal to fell 188 trees. In response to the unauthorized tree felling by the Irrigation Department, the NMC issued a public notice, calling for objections from citizens against the proposal to cut down 188 trees on the lake's slope. The notice encourages citizens to submit written objections within seven days of its publication in newspapers. The current situation raises concerns about a lack of coordination between the NMC and the Irrigation Department or potential unauthorized activity. The tree-cutting initiative has begun without public hearings, highlighting a possible lapse in the communication or legality of the ongoing project. The civic body has provided a formal procedure for citizens to voice their objections to the tree felling. Those opposing the action are urged to submit their objections in writing to the Garden Superintendent within seven days of the public notice's publication. The proposed felling involves a variety of trees, including 118 Sisam trees, 23 Subabool, 18 Beri, 14 Palash, 6 Neem, 3 Babool, and one each of Katsavar, Chichwa, and Chichbilai trees. All of these trees, aged between 5 to 15 years, are slated for removal to facilitate the ongoing project. The tree felling initiative is part of the civic body's efforts to prevent flood-like situations during the upcoming monsoon. The decision to strengthen the lake embankment and surrounding areas is a preventive measure following the flood incident on September 23, which resulted in significant damage to public property due to the overflow of lake water. Citizens with objections have a seven-day window from the publication of the notice to submit their concerns in writing. The NMC's response to these objections and subsequent actions will determine the course of the ongoing project and its impact on the Ambazari lake ecosystem.
