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Preparations for a proposed Formula-4 (F4) street race in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, have drawn objections from environmental activists who claim that more than 70 trees may be cut or relocated to facilitate the event. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is expected to spend around INR 28 crore on hosting the race. Activists have raised concerns over the removal of trees from a road divider and the possible use of a nearby playground for event infrastructure. They have also warned about traffic disruptions and environmental impact, while civic authorities continue planning the event scheduled for later this year.
Plans to organise a Formula-4 (F4) street race in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, have sparked concern among environmental activists after reports that more than 70 trees could be cut or transplanted to prepare the racing circuit. The trees are located along a road divider and nearby open spaces on the stretch that has been identified for the event. Advertisement
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is preparing to host the race and is estimated to spend around INR 28 crore on the event. The proposed street circuit is expected to run through parts of Nerul, and civic officials are studying the road infrastructure and nearby spaces required for the race track and supporting facilities.
Activists monitoring the project have stated that preparations may involve dismantling an existing road divider and removing trees planted along the central stretch. According to them, a nearby playground may also be used temporarily for race-related infrastructure such as pit areas, staging facilities, or spectator arrangements. Environmental groups have raised objections, arguing that the removal or relocation of mature trees could reduce green cover in the area.
Local campaigners have also highlighted that tree transplantation often has a limited success rate, especially when mature trees are moved. They have urged the civic administration to reconsider the scale of the intervention required for the event and explore alternatives that would minimise damage to the existing tree cover.
Residents living along the proposed racing route have expressed concern about the possible inconvenience during the preparation phase. Modifications to the road, including the removal of dividers and installation of race barriers, may affect traffic movement in the area. The infrastructure would be restored only after the event is completed, which could take several weeks depending on the extent of work involved.
The proposed race is part of an effort to bring international-level motorsport events to Navi Mumbai and promote the city as a venue for sporting activities. Formula-4 racing is generally considered a junior category in global motorsport and is often used as a platform to develop young racing drivers before they move to higher racing series.
Environmental concerns linked to infrastructure work have been a recurring issue in Navi Mumbai in recent months. Residents and activists had earlier organised protests against the planned removal of hundreds of trees along Palm Beach Road for an underpass and road widening project. These protests reflected growing concerns about the gradual loss of tree cover in the rapidly developing satellite city.
Activists involved in the current issue have said that they plan to raise the matter with civic authorities and seek more clarity on the number of trees that may be affected and whether permissions for removal or transplantation have been granted.
The F4 race is expected to take place toward the end of the year, and preparations for the temporary street circuit are likely to continue in the coming months as the civic body finalises arrangements and infrastructure requirements.
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