Green Murder in Nagpur: NMC Plans to Cut 65 Trees in Historic Amrai Forest

Nagpur, May 16: The lush green Amrai forest area near Old Sonegaon Airport Road – one of the most popular morning walk destinations in South West Nagpur -is now facing a major environmental threat. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued notices for the cutting of around 61 to 65 trees in the forested stretch for a sewer pipeline project.

The Amrai forest, believed to date back to the Bhonsale era, is known for its dense greenery, old mango trees, historic well, and the scenic Murlidhar Temple nestled within the woods. Residents say the area once consisted mainly of sprawling mango orchards nearly 300 years ago and still retains remnants of that rich ecological and historical heritage.

According to notices issued by the Executive Engineer of NMC’s Laxmi Nagar Zone through the Garden Department, the trees are obstructing excavation and construction work for a sewer line being laid through land belonging to the Airports Authority of India near Sahakar Nagar Ghat and Mulik Complex.

The trees marked for removal reportedly include:

• 20 Babul trees
• 12 Ber trees
• 7 Hivar trees
• 3 Neem trees
• 3 Eucalyptus trees
• Tamarind, Banyan, Jamun, Palash, Bel and several other species

Out of these, NMC has classified only three as “heritage trees,” while the remaining 58 are listed as non-heritage.

Local residents and environmental activists have strongly objected to the move, questioning why notices were pasted on trees even before the objection and hearing process was completed. Many claim several of these trees are decades old and form an essential ecological corridor in the area.

Environmental activist and journalist Sachin Dravekar, along with other green groups, has demanded that NMC follow its own SOP by planting and preserving at least five trees for every tree cut within the same Amrai forest zone. Activists have also urged authorities to consider changing the alignment of the sewer line instead of destroying the green cover.

Senior residents recall that the area once had thick mango orchards, monkey habitats, vultures nesting on tall trees near the cremation ground, and heritage-era stone bridges over the Pohra river.

Citizens, morning walkers, and environmental organizations have now united in opposition to the proposed tree cutting, calling it a serious blow to one of Nagpur’s few surviving natural green pockets.

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