Belapur: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has fined Rs 10,000 to Pawan Restaurant and Bar in Sector 3, Belapur, for installing electric lights on trees outside its premises. The Belapur divisional flying squad took this action under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner and Zonal Officer Dr. Amol Palve and the guidance of Garden Department Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Mr. Kishanrao Palande.
The civic body has reiterated that nailing objects onto trees or using them for decorative lighting damages the trees and the environment. In response to recurring violations, NMMC’s Tree Authority passed Resolution No. 7461 on January 27, 2025, empowering officials to take penal action. Offenders—whether individuals, institutions, or businesses—now face a fine of ₹10,000 per tree for such damage.
Officials have announced a citywide campaign to curb this practice across all municipal zones. Citizens and business owners are urged to avoid harming trees; failing which, strict action will follow.
In a separate case, the anti-plastic flying squad from Zone 2 seized 100 grams of banned plastic bags from Asha Pura Kirana Stores in Sector 8, Airoli. A fine of ₹5,000 was imposed. These enforcement drives will continue to be conducted regularly, according to NMMC officials.
