Navi Mumbai: In a decisive move to enforce environmental regulations, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has penalized a restaurant in Belapur for illegally decorating trees with electric lights. Pawan Restaurant and Bar, located in Sector 3, was fined ₹10,000 for wrapping lights around trees outside its premises — a practice that violates municipal rules aimed at protecting urban greenery.
The enforcement action was initiated by the Belapur Zonal Flying Squad under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner and Zonal Officer Dr. Amol Palve. The operation was conducted in coordination with Deputy Commissioner (Garden Department - Zone 1), Mr. Kishanrao Palande.
The fine was issued based on Resolution No. 7461 passed by the NMMC Tree Authority on January 27, which explicitly bans activities harmful to trees, including attaching advertisements or electric installations. As per the directive, violators face a fine of ₹10,000 per tree damaged or misused.
Officials from the NMMC emphasized that such practices not only disrupt the natural growth of trees but also pose a risk to the ecosystem. They warned that future violations would invite stringent penalties and legal action.
The civic body also announced plans to launch a city-wide enforcement drive across all municipal zones, aiming to monitor and curb similar environmental violations. Business owners and citizens have been urged to act responsibly and avoid tampering with public greenery.