Plea against construction of new Kulgaon-Badlapur civic body building

The construction of the new building is being opposed by residents,who allege that about 79 trees — many of them about 100 years old — will have to be felled despite the Principal Conservator of Forests giving his opinion that the land is forest area going by the density of green cover. The petitioner has cited a study conducted by Aastha Foundation,which says the region is home to 89 varieties of plants.

In her petition,Jambhale alleged that “acts of commission and omission of various officials have jeopardised an otherwise dense forest cover”. Contending that the compensatory afforestation being carried out is inadequate and is destructive to the biodiversity of the region as is a largely monoculture plantation,she prayed for quashing and setting aside a general body resolution of the council dated November 11,2009,which approved the construction of the new building. She also seeks a court directive to stop further felling of trees on the plot.