The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has formally cancelled the idea for a three-kilometre flyover project connecting Arenja Corner to Kopri, marking a huge victory for environmental preservation and ethical governance. This choice results from the tireless work of MLA Ganesh Naik.

The proposed overpass over Palm Beach Road in Vashi has been dropped by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). For the project, it was suggested that 390 trees be uprooted in total. However, both locals and environmentalists opposed the idea.

When the flyover idea was first put forth under the leadership of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, it was met with vehement criticism from both the general public and environmentalists. The project cost 350 crore rupees in public money and was designed as a traffic control solution for Palm Beach Road. The intention to cut down 390 trees to make room for its development was even more concerning.

The city administration made the decision last week in response to objections from a number of groups, including Ganesh Naik, an MLA for Airoli. The project called for the relocation of 384 trees and the cutting of 6 trees in order to build a flyover from Arenja Corner in Sector 17 of Vashi to Kopri Village.

In opposition to the proposal, then-Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad met with then-Civic Chief Abhijit Bangar. His worries about the number of trees had been voiced. He had voiced his worries about the quantity of trees that would need to be removed or replanted for the project.

The flyover, which was budgeted at 350 crores, was intended to relieve traffic congestion along its length, particularly at Arenja Corner in Sector 17 in Vashi. Residents believed that a plant took 20 years to grow and that the administration was cutting down trees just for the purpose of a flypast.

The encroachment at Satra Plaza along Palm Beach, according to Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad, a former corporator from Vashi and ex-member of the NMMC Environment Committee, causes traffic congestion. She expressed her happiness about the project’s cancellation.

Ganesh Naik, an MLA, spoke out strongly against the needless flyover, reflecting the opinions of the residents of Navi Mumbai, who firmly believed the project was unjustifiable.

Environmentalists became part of the group of people protesting the bridge’s construction and voicing concern over the potential loss of 390 trees.

“MLA Naik formally asked the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Environment Minister, Environment Secretary, Urban Development Secretary, Urban Development Minister, and the Municipal Commissioner to halt the flyover project due to the overwhelming public outcry and environmental concerns. The project went on despite these pleadings”, according to a report.

MLA Ganesh Naik said in an interview with Newsband that “this is a victory for the residents who stood resolutely against this ill-conceived project.”

The public’s health will be severely impacted by the removal of 400 trees from the Vashi Sector 17 region as a result of the increased air pollution. I’ve written to NMMC requesting that tree chopping and the building of the flyover cease. According to Vikram Shinde, the flyover is solely being built to benefit four commercial buildings that have unlawfully opened entry from the Palm Beach Road, causing traffic problems.

“The tree transplantation procedure has begun, but the period for suggestions and objections will be appropriately extended. Given the increased quantity of trees, state government consent would be sought before any tree removal or transplantation, according to NMMC commissioner Abhijit Bangar.

“In 2016–17, Tukaram Mundhe, the then-NMMC commissioner, took stern action against the Satara Plaza skyscraper in Vashi for allowing vehicles to enter from the back side. There won’t be a need for this pricey flyover if a wall controlling traffic is constructed along the route leading to Kopri. “Only a few commercial towers are being ‘gifted’ this flyover so they can illegitimately have a backside entrance,” continued Gaikwad.

By April 2024, construction on the four-lane flyover is anticipated. Sanjay Desai, NMMC city engineer, stated that the contractor, NCC Ltd., must get tree cutting and transplantation authorization in accordance with the rules before beginning the operation.

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