The controversy surrounding the construction of an artificial banyan tree in Nagpur’s Futala lake continues, as experts and Mahametro officials have differing opinions on whether the structure is temporary or permanent. The matter was brought before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Swacch Association. Mahametro officials, in a sworn affidavit, claimed that the artificial tree and its associated structures could not be considered permanent constructions on the lake. However, experts disagree, arguing that the structure, which weighs over 400 tonnes, is indeed permanent in nature.
To create the base for the artificial banyan tree, Mahametro sank a 25m x 10m x 5m cage weighing 25 tonnes into the lake bed. This cage was filled with 7,500 concrete slabs, each weighing 50kg, totaling 375 tonnes. The artificial tree would then be placed on a platform supported by 24 metal poles, each 5.5m tall. The Mahametro officials claim that the entire structure is temporary and not permanently affixed to the lake bed.
The High Court examined Mahametro’s affidavit and concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that the construction violated Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules-2017, which prohibits permanent constructions except for boat jetties within 50 meters of the mean high flood level. The court noted that the Mahametro statement was not countered, and it couldn’t be proven that the construction on the floating platform exceeded the restrictions set by the rule.
Despite the court’s ruling, experts argue that the base of the artificial banyan tree is firmly settled in the lake bed and has caused damage to the lake and its ecosystem. Renowned architect Pradyumna Sahasrabhojanee pointed out that the base weighs over 400 tonnes and occupies 250 square meters of the lake bed. He argues that such a structure cannot be considered temporary, as it will remain in place until the entire project is dismantled.
Sahasrabhojanee further highlighted that the installation of the artificial tree and its weight on the lake bed has caused destruction to the lake, impacting aquatic life, organic life, and weeds.
The matter remains subjudice, and a Mahametro spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
This controversy raises important questions regarding the definition of temporary and permanent constructions on the Futala lake. While Mahametro officials maintain that the artificial banyan tree is temporary, experts argue that the substantial weight and settlement of the base make it a permanent feature. As the legal battle continues, the fate of the artificial tree and its impact on the lake’s ecosystem hangs in the balance.
Please note that the article has been rewritten using my own words and sentences while maintaining the original ideas of the article.
