A group of Navi Mumbai citizens and activists on Friday raised concerns over proposed tree felling in Kharghar area during a City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) public hearing, an official statement said.
The hearing regarding the proposed tree felling in the Kharghar area was held by the CIDCO Tree Authority Department at Raigad Bhavan on May 21, 2026, it said.
It was organised to consider objections submitted by social organisations and local residents against the proposed removal of trees in the area.
Representatives of environmental groups, citizens and CIDCO officials attended the meeting and discussed the project in detail.
Among those present at the hearing were Kiran Prakash Patil, Shekhar Sawant, former corporator Netra Kiran Patil and environmental activist Jyoti Nadkarni, the statement said.
Officials from CIDCO’s garden, planning and engineering departments were also present during the hearing.
Participants discussed the necessity of the proposed work, its environmental impact and several technical aspects linked to the tree-cutting proposal, it said.
Questions raised overunderground power line work
During the discussion, citizens questioned the proposal to cut trees for underground high-tension electricity line work when CIDCO’s planning department had reportedly not yet finalised a clear development plan for the area.
Members attending the hearing argued that tree felling should not proceed without detailed and transparent planning.
Questions were also raised regarding coordination between CIDCO’s planning and electricity departments for the underground cabling work.
Demand for transparency
Some participants expressed suspicion that the project could indirectly benefit private contractors or future construction developments.
Representatives of the Yuva Prerna Social Organisation demanded a detailed inquiry into the project and called for complete transparency in the approval and execution process.
The organisation also submitted a written representation to CIDCO, urging authorities to clearly state their position on environmental protection, public interest and the proper use of public resources.
CIDCO yet to clarify final decision
Officials discussed the objections and technical concerns during the hearing, though no final decision regarding the proposed tree felling was announced during the meeting.
Citizens and the environmental groups have sought greater public consultation before any further action is taken.
