Navi Mumbai News: Social Organisation Sairaj Pratishthan Urges NMMC To Roll Back ₹200-Per-Tree Trimming Fee For Housing Societies

Navi Mumbai: Social organisation Sairaj Pratishthan has formally appealed to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to revoke the newly imposed ₹200-per-tree fee for trimming hazardous branches within housing society premises.

In a letter addressed to the Municipal Commissioner, President of Sairaj Pratishthan, called the charge an "unnecessary tax" on residential societies that are already committed to maintaining and preserving urban greenery.

The appeal references NMMC's resolution no. 7460, passed during a General Body Meeting on 27 January 2025, which introduced the fee structure for tree maintenance. However, Jadhav emphasized that such charges were never levied in the past, and imposing them now effectively penalizes societies that proactively care for the environment.

“Societies are already making efforts to protect and nurture trees. Charging them for trimming dangerous branches — a necessary safety measure — is unfair and feels like a form of punishment,” the letter stated.

The Pratishthan has urged the civic body to roll back the decision and allow such trimming activities to continue without any fee, as was the practice earlier. The appeal has been forwarded to the Urban Development Secretary, Deputy Commissioner of Gardens, and the Belapur divisional officer for consideration.

When contacted the DMC Kisanrao Palande stated that it is a policy decision taken by the administration with regards to the upkeep of the green cover of the city. "The sum of rs200 is not very huge, it has been decided after much deliberation besides the purpose is to ensure that trimming work is done in a scientific manner," he said.