An incident of unpermitted pruning of trees has been reported at a public garden near the Takka petrol pump signal in Panvel, with the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiating preliminary action following a complaint.
According to information provided by the complainant, Rohit Atawane, the incident came to notice on April 13, 2026, around 10:40 am, when branches and upper portions of five trees in the garden were found to have been cut.
Five trees affected; species identified
The affected trees include four Tabebuia and one Saptaparni, whose branches were reportedly pruned extensively. The garden forms part of the ‘Oxi Park’ initiative and is located along a busy stretch near the flyover.
Civic officials conduct spot inspection
Following the complaint, officials from the Panvel Municipal Corporation’s garden department visited the site. A spot inspection (panchanama) was carried out in the presence of officials including Sandeep Pawar, Vivek Dale, Pravin Bhoir and Nitin Babule, along with the complainant and a witness.
Allegation linked to visibility of nearby hoarding
The complainant has stated that a hoarding located behind the trees may have been obstructed by overgrown branches, and has raised a suspicion that the pruning could have been carried out to improve its visibility.
However, officials have not confirmed this claim, and the matter is currently under examination.
Concern raised over impact on public green space
The garden, developed as part of urban beautification efforts, has been used by citizens as a public green space. The reported pruning has led to concern among residents and environmental groups.
Further action, if any, is expected to be taken by the civic body based on the findings of the inspection.
