Archive · 19 Sep 2026
CBD Belapur Residents Treat Trees Allegedly Damaged by Chemicals
People in CBD Belapur are trying to help several mature trees that appear to be badly damaged.
Activists say someone may have drilled holes in the trunks and injected chemicals.
Residents and environmental groups organised a treatment effort for the trees.
They covered damaged parts with Bordeaux paste.
They also removed weeds and construction waste around the trees.
The soil was loosened and given water, humic acid, compost and fertiliser.
Activists said the municipal corporation had only applied lime before leaving.
They want the trees monitored and the alleged damage investigated.
Residents and environmental activists launched a rescue effort for mature trees in CBD Belapur.
Activists alleged that holes were drilled into the trunks and chemicals injected, causing visible damage.
The treatment included Bordeaux paste, weed and debris removal, soil loosening, humic acid, vermicompost and fertiliser.
Activist Paramdeep Garewal arranged materials and water from a nearby police station, guided by plantation expert Rajiv Patil.
NatConnect Foundation criticised the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for allegedly applying only lime and urged regular monitoring and an investigation.
- Who
- CBD Belapur residents, environmental activists led by Paramdeep Garewal, plantation expert Rajiv Patil, NatConnect Foundation and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
- What
- Residents and activists carried out a treatment and rescue effort for mature trees allegedly damaged by chemical injection.
- When
- The treatment effort followed earlier scrutiny of the trees; a delivery challan for materials was issued on September 18.
- Where
- CBD Belapur, with water obtained from a nearby police station; the materials were supplied by Green Trading Co., Panvel.
- Why
- The effort aimed to prevent further deterioration, improve the trees’ root zones and help them recover while alleged deliberate damage is investigated.
Residents and Environmental Groups
Municipal Response
Adequacy of treatment
Residents and Environmental Groups
NatConnect Foundation said applying lime alone was inadequate for trees allegedly damaged by drilling and chemical injection, and that residents had to arrange a broader rescue effort.
Municipal Response
The article reports that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation applied lime, but it does not include a detailed response from the corporation defending or explaining its intervention.
Cause and follow-up
Residents and Environmental Groups
Activists alleged deliberate chemical damage and called for regular monitoring and an investigation to prevent further deterioration.
Municipal Response
The alleged drilling and chemical injection remain allegations in the report; no confirmed finding identifying who caused the damage is provided.
- Location
- CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
- Alleged damage
- Holes were reportedly drilled into tree trunks and chemicals were allegedly injected.
- Treatment
- Bordeaux paste, soil loosening, humic acid, vermicompost, Suphala fertiliser and watering.
- Organiser
- Activist Paramdeep Garewal coordinated the work with residents and environmentalists.
- Expert guidance
- Plantation expert Rajiv Patil advised on the intervention.
- Documented cost
- A September 18 delivery challan listed a total cost of Rs 7,400.
- Requested action
- NatConnect Foundation urged regular monitoring and an investigation by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.