Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, April 2026: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has started construction of a tunnel road beneath Palm Beach Road in Sanpada, triggering concerns over environmental impact due to the proposed removal and transplantation of hundreds of trees.
Tunnel Project Work Begins
The underpass project near Moraj Circle in Sector-19, Sanpada has entered the execution phase, with excavation work and barricading already underway at the site.
Officials confirmed that the project is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity along the busy Palm Beach Road stretch.
440 Trees to Be Affected
The project involves significant impact on the area’s green cover:
- 111 trees to be cut
- 329 trees to be transplanted
The plan had earlier received approval from the state tree authority in 2023, and was later reaffirmed by the civic body’s own tree committee.
Environmental Concerns and Protests
Local residents and environmental activists have strongly opposed the project, raising concerns about:
- Loss of green cover
- Impact on air quality
- Low survival rates of transplanted trees
Protests, including human chains and demonstrations, have been organised demanding alternative solutions that minimise ecological damage.
Civic Body Stands Firm on Plan
Despite opposition, NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde has stated that no changes will be made to the current design, and the project will proceed as planned.
The civic body maintains that the project is necessary to decongest traffic and support future urban growth, especially with rising vehicular load in the region.
Project Cost and Timeline
- Estimated cost: ₹33.8 crore
- Expected completion: 18 months (excluding monsoon period)
Construction activity has intensified in recent days, though tree cutting had not begun at the initial stage of work.
Development vs Environment Debate
The project has reignited the debate between urban infrastructure development and environmental conservation, with citizens urging authorities to adopt more sustainable alternatives such as flyovers or improved traffic management.
