The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has announced strict action against individuals and businesses that damage trees by nailing advertisements or wrapping them with electric lights.

These practices, commonly seen in commercial urban areas such as shops, restaurants, and resorts, are causing significant harm to trees and disrupting the environment.

According to an NMMC official, the penalty will be enforced under Resolution No. 7461, dated 27th January 2025, with violators facing a fine of Rs 10,000 per tree. The responsibility for implementing this action has been assigned to the Assistant Commissioner and Tree Officer.

Multiple studies highlight that prolonged exposure to artificial light negatively affects trees. While decorative lighting wrapped around trees may enhance aesthetics, it interferes with their natural lifecycle and impacts the animals and birds that depend on them.

“Pollination and seed dispersal are crucial parts of a plant’s lifecycle. Excessive artificial lighting, such as streetlights and decorative lights, disrupts natural light cycles (photoperiods), affecting not only the trees but also their pollinators and associated wildlife,” experts say. Studies also show that urban trees are more prone to stress compared to those in forests, making them even more vulnerable to these harmful effects.

“These harmful practices are endangering the city's tree population and causing significant environmental damage,” said Naina Sasane, deputy municipal commissioner (Garden Department/Tree Authority – Zone 2).

The NMMC urges citizens, businesses, and institutions to refrain from damaging trees and cooperate in protecting the environment.