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NMMC clears 90 lakh tree census proposal, counting to begin soon [Navi Mumbai] [Times of India](Times of India Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) NAVI MUMBAI: The civic body has finally cleared the tree census proposal of Rs 90 lakh. The long-pending proposal was passed by the standing committee on Friday. "Activists had expressed their concern about the methods we will adopt to conduct the census. The survey will be focused only on trees that fulfill the specifications," said an official from the tree department. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation(NMMC) administration is excited about the digitized survey and maintains that now detection of illegal tree hacking will be easier. "Map coordinates can be used by officers to corroborate the actual status of any tree. Once the survey is done, satellite images will be available on Google maps," said IT department head GV Rao. Social activists have been severe in their criticism of the laxity shown by NMMC in finding and booking the people guilty of damaging the city's green cover. "Over the past year, I have complained to NMMC about 50-odd trees being hacked. Most of the times, the offender is let go after paying a fine of Rs 5,000," said nature lover Abha Ranavare. (c) 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited |