UMC Corruption Exposed in Ulhasnagar Tree Felling Scandal.

Ulhasnagar Tree Felling Scandal

• UMC Corruption Exposed

• Public Outrage in Ulhasnagar

• Maharashtra Environmental Laws Violated

Ulhasnagar faces a major environmental scandal as officials allegedly authorized illegal felling of 20+ heritage trees aged 50-100 years. Assistant Commissioner Ganesh Shimpi’s permission for two tree cuts expanded to widespread destruction, revealing potential UMC collusion. The Sprouts News Investigation Team confirms evidence of ecological damage and corruption, prompting legal action and public outrage over the violation of environmental protection laws.

A major environmental scandal has rocked Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, with the illegal felling of over 20 heritage trees aged 50-100 years. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) can confirm that Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) officials allegedly colluded in this ecological destruction. Permission documents show Assistant Commissioner Mr. Ganesh Shimpi authorized only two tree cuts, but evidence reveals widespread illegal felling.

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UMC Corruption and Rogue Officials

On September 10, 2025, UMC’s corrupt Nodal Officer Ganesh Shimpi issued permission letter No. 139/2025, allowing just two trees to be cut on a private plot. However, ground evidence collected by the Sprouts News Investigation Team reveals 20-25 fully grown heritage trees were illegally axed. The permission document carries a suspicious footnote: “With the approval of the Hon. Commissioner,” raising questions about potential collusion at UMC’s highest levels.

Environmental Damage and Ecological Impact

The illegal tree felling has caused irreversible environmental damage to Ulhasnagar’s ecosystem. These 50-100 year old heritage trees provided critical carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and biodiversity support. Their loss represents a significant blow to urban green cover and violates Maharashtra’s environmental protection laws. Local activists report increased air pollution and habitat destruction following the illegal cutting.

Legal Action and Police Complaints

Multiple legal actions have been initiated against the responsible parties. Formal complaints have been filed with Ulhasnagar Police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) seeking criminal prosecution under IPC sections, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. The cases demand stringent punishment for all involved officials and contractors.

NGT and High Court Intervention

An affidavit petition has been prepared for the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Bombay High Court. The legal action seeks immediate stay orders against further tree cutting, compensatory afforestation, and strict action against UMC officials. Representations have also been made to the Urban Development Department and Maharashtra Forest Department demanding a state-level inquiry into the corruption scandal.

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Public Outrage and Citizen Demands

Ulhasnagar citizens have organized protests demanding immediate action. Their demands include the suspension and prosecution of Ganesh Shimpi, a state-level inquiry into all tree-felling permissions across Ulhasnagar, and compensatory afforestation at a ratio of 10 new trees for every tree cut. Community leaders emphasize this incident reflects a pattern of corruption within UMC that prioritizes builder interests over environmental protection.

A Legacy of Corruption: Historical Misconduct and Legal Entanglements

Ganesh Shimpi, a Junior Steno employee of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) official, has faced repeated corruption allegations dating back to 2013 when the Thane Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested him for accepting bribes from builders. He was kept in Police Lock-up for 5 days and despite his suspension for 14 months, Shimpi consistently regained his position and even received promotions within UMC, often amid allegations of political protectionism and ongoing corruption schemes. Investigators discovered assets disproportionate to his income, including significant cash and property holdings in Crores of Rupees.

Environmental Scandals and Systemic Abuse of Power

More recently, Shimpi has been implicated in illegal tree felling operations, scrap theft worth crores of rupees, and generating fake GST bills to cover up demolition scams. His removal as anti-encroachment chief in 2020 following public protests did little to curb his activities, as whistleblowers continue to report new corruption allegations. Citizens and activists are now demanding a comprehensive investigation into his prolonged pattern of misconduct and abuse of power within the municipal corporation.

“When officials become destroyers of the very environment they swore to protect, we must stand as guardians of our natural heritage. The illegal felling of these century-old trees isn’t just corruption—it’s an ecological massacre that demands immediate accountability from the highest levels of UMC.”

-Bhushan Khatri, Environmental Whistleblower,
Ulhasnagar