Local residents formed a human chain at Kanakia-based, civic-run Gyan Jyoti Savitribai Phule Udyan in Mira Road on Sunday to protest against the expansion of an existing sewage treatment plant (STP). The protesters held placards with messages such as ‘Greenery over concrete! Relocate the STP,’ ‘No to STP, Stop STP work’ among many others.

The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has barricaded the garden and plans to cut down 1208 eight-year-old trees from the open space—allegedly to benefit contractors, claimed an activist. Forming a human chain to underline ‘Save Trees’ and ‘No to STP,’ the protesters, armed with banners and placards, raised slogans against the MBMC’s decision. They also organised a signature campaign to protect the environment and public health while opposing the corporation’s move.