Tree Population in Navi Mumbai Up by 78%

Navi Mumbai has reported a significant expansion in its green cover, with the latest tree census revealing a remarkable 78% increase in the city’s tree population over the past eight years. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has documented a total of 15,28,779 trees, up from 8,57,295 recorded in 2015. This increase of 6,71,484 trees reflects a substantial enhancement in the city’s urban forest.

The comprehensive census, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was executed by Ornet Technologies Pvt Ltd at an estimated cost of INR 3 crore. Conducted between December 2023 and May 2024, the census employed advanced GIS/GPS technology and manual data collection techniques to provide an accurate count and analysis of the tree population. The data reveals a predominant presence of indigenous species, with 11,43,937 trees including kaduneem, bor, amba, peepal, vad, and umber. In contrast, non-indigenous species such as gulmohar, sonmohar, and vilayati chinch constitute 3,84,842 trees.

The census also identified 1,638 heritage trees and 216 different species, including both native and exotic varieties. An impressive 99.2% of the trees were classified as healthy. Prominent species in the city’s green canopy include the Sag (Teak), Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Gulmohar (Delonix regia), and Asupalav (Polyalthia longifolia). Among fruit-bearing trees, Bor (Ziziphus mauritiana) and Amba (Mango) are prevalent, while Shevga (Drumstick) stands out among vegetable trees. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Garden) highlighted the use of sophisticated mapping techniques to ensure accurate data collection and management.

The report underscores Navi Mumbai’s commitment to enhancing its green spaces, portraying the city as a model for integrating nature into urban development and fostering ecological balance. However, tree activists have raised concerns about the high proportion of non-indigenous species. They advocate for an increased focus on native trees, which offer superior ecological benefits and support biodiversity. Activists argue that enhancing conservation efforts and improving care for planted trees are crucial for maintaining and expanding the city’s green cover, especially in the face of rising pollution levels.