The tree census in nine of Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s 10 zones has been completed. However, compensatory plantation of 36,069 trees is still pending. The NMC informed the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court that 89,886 trees were required to be planted as compensation for trees felled between 2019-20 and 2024-25. So far, 53,817 trees have been planted. The remaining 36,069 trees are yet to be planted. NMC has issued show-cause notices to the concerned applicants and authorities over the pending plantation. The information was submitted in an affidavit filed by Ganesh Rathod, Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department and Tree Officer. The affidavit was filed in response to a PIL by Swachh Association on tree conservation, tree census and plantation in Nagpur. The petition was heard by a bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas. Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the NMC, while Advocate Mrunal Chakravarty appeared for the petitioner. The PIL sought reconstitution of the Tree Authority, regular meetings, completion of the tree census, plantation of around 90,000 pending trees, strict compensatory plantation and 33% green cover in the city. According to the NMC, a seven-member Tree Authority has been constituted under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, with the NMC Commissioner as its chairman. The tree census is being conducted by Terracon. It has been completed in nine zones. The census in Mangalwari zone is in its final stage. As per the report dated September 8, 2026, a total of 43,69,360 trees have been recorded in the city. 

 

 

The NMC also informed the court about NEERI’s recommendation in its State of the Environment 2024-25 report. The report recommends the 3-30-300 rule. Under it, every citizen should be able to see at least three large trees from their home. Every neighbourhood should have at least 30% tree canopy cover. A green space or park should also be available within 300 metres of every home. The NMC said the recommendation would be discussed at the next Tree Authority meeting and an appropriate decision would be taken.

 

 

The affidavit also referred to correspondence with NEERI scientist Dr Shalini Dhyani. It stated that Nagpur’s built-up area has doubled in two decades. It increased from 70.27 sq km in 2005 to 140.53 sq km in 2025. NMC acknowledged that the expansion has led to open spaces and green areas being converted into residential and commercial zones.