AAP Pune Flags Rampant Violations In Tree Felling Permissions, Demands Action From PMC Tree Authority
AAP Pune Flags Rampant Violations In Tree Felling Permissions, Demands Action From PMC Tree Authority
Pune, August 5, 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pune, has submitted a formal letter to the Chairman of the Tree Authority, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), highlighting a series of legal violations in the process of granting tree felling permissions. The letter, jointly signed by party representatives, draws attention to critical lapses in the implementation of the Maharashtra Urban Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975.
The letter cites multiple legal provisions that have allegedly been neglected by the Tree Authority over the years:
- Section 8(5)(a) of the Act mandates that the location of compensatory plantation must be clearly specified at the time of granting tree felling permissions. However, the party alleges that this condition has been routinely ignored, rendering many past permissions illegal.
- Section 11(1) requires compensatory tree planting within 15 days of felling, a rule that AAP claims is “consistently ignored.”
- Section 11(2) involves collecting a deposit from applicants for tree felling permissions. AAP contends that while private applicants are charged, PMC is often exempted, despite repeatedly defaulting on compliance.
- Section 7(n) mandates that 33% of government land should be preserved as green zones. AAP alleges that PMC and related authorities have failed to meet this critical ecological requirement.
The party has put forth the following demands to ensure compliance and accountability:
- Clarity in Permissions: Each permission should mention the number of trees to be replanted, their exact location, and the total required count.
- Strict Implementation: Compensatory plantation must be carried out within 15 days. If land is not available, alternative options such as planting in containers must be enforced.
- Green Zone Compliance: The rule to maintain 33% green cover on government land must be strictly implemented.
- Uniform Deposit Collection: All applicants, including PMC, should pay the mandated deposit. Regular progress reports should be submitted every six months, failing which permissions must be cancelled and deposits forfeited.
The letter concludes with a strong appeal to the Tree Authority to take decisive action, given the continued neglect of legal responsibilities.
