Pune: Illegal Tree Cutting At Montvert Seville Society In Wakad Sparks Outrage, PCMC Issues Show-Cause Notice

Pune, December 4, 2025: Residents of Montvert Seville CHSL in Wakad are up in arms after the society’s management committee allegedly cut down at least seven fully grown, healthy Spathodea trees in violation of municipal norms. The incident, which took place earlier this week, has led to a formal complaint by over 70 residents, a site inspection by PCMC officials, and a symbolic protest by the community.

What Happened?

According to residents, the society had obtained permission from the PCMC Garden Department in September 2025 only for pruning branches above 20 feet, and that too under the supervision of PCMC officials. However, on the day of the work, residents were shocked to see heavy machinery being used to cut the trees entirely from the trunk, rather than trimming branches.

“Instead of trimming the trees in summer as planned, they cut them down completely. The permission clearly stated that only branches above 20 feet should be trimmed in the presence of PCMC officials. But the committee, without any official present, got the trees felled from the trunk,” said one aggrieved resident.

Another resident emotionally added, “We have nurtured these trees for over 15 years. Many ladies and elderly members were in tears seeing them being cut. The trees were healthy, not infected or termite-ridden. In a city like Pune, where the AQI is already above 150, losing such green cover is devastating.”

Violation Confirmed By PCMC

Alerted by residents, PCMC Garden Officer Gargote visited the site and confirmed the violation. He noted that the tree trunks were not meant to be cut and that the society did not follow the guidelines mentioned in the permission letter.

Following the inspection, the PCMC Garden Department has issued a show-cause notice to the society management committee, seeking an explanation for the unauthorized tree felling.

Residents Protest and Demand Action

In response to the incident, more than 60 residents submitted a signed complaint to the Garden Department. On 3rd December at 7 PM, the society residents gathered at the flag hoisting area for a two-minute silence in memory of the “brutally killed” trees. Many children participated, turning the event into an impromptu lesson on environmental conservation.

“We don’t want financial exploitation or punishment, but we want the committee to be held accountable. They should be made to plant 100 trees and ensure they grow fully. That would be the real lesson,” said a resident.

Committee Under Fire

Residents alleged that the committee acted under pressure from the neighboring Tranquil Bungalow Society, which had complained about the trees causing inconvenience. However, they questioned why the committee did not first ensure that the neighboring society also trimmed their own trees if that was the case.

Residents also raised concerns about the contractor’s credentials and the disposal of the felled trees, questioning whether they were sold or improperly disposed of.

Way Forward

Residents have announced plans for a tree plantation drive in the coming days to compensate for the loss and restore green cover. They have also sought the intervention of IAS officer Shravan Hardikar, who has assured that action is being taken.

The PCMC is expected to take strict action against the society committee if they fail to provide a satisfactory response to the show-cause notice.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and ecological preservation in rapidly growing cities like Pune. With the city’s air quality already in the “poor” category, the loss of mature trees has raised serious concerns among citizens and environmental activists.