Citizens oppose PMC’s plan to axe 105 trees to widen Ganeshkhind Road

By: Pune Pulse

September 21, 2023

Pune: Activists have expressed strong opposition to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) proposal to cut down 105 trees and relocate 87 in order to widen the Ganeshkhind Road section between University Chowk and Sancheti Hospital by 45 meters.

As per the information received, on September 6, PMC’s chief garden superintendent, Ashok Ghorpade, issued a public notice if there were any objections to the plan during the period of September 7–18. This notice was issued after the tree authority received multiple proposals for tree removal and transplantation from PMC’s zonal offices, which are still awaiting a final decision.

Activists Ameet Singh, Gangotri Chanda, and Rakesh Jagtap have collectively submitted their objections to the PMC’s plan. Civic officials have asserted that the entire process is being carried out in accordance with the regulations for the protection and conservation of trees, as well as directives from the Bombay High Court and the state government.

The PMC intends to cut down trees that do not even obstruct traffic, as they are either located on sidewalks or at the far ends of the road. These trees include species such as gulmohar and nilgiris and are at least 30–40 years old. Furthermore, it has been observed that the relevant department responsible for tree relocation does not adequately follow up on proper transplantation procedures.

Hema Chari, member of the Area Sabha Association of Pune, added, “We have requested a public hearing since there is now no functional Tree Authority, and most of these are old, mature trees with bird nests and biodiversity. We want to know if the Forest Department has conducted any assessments and if their approval has been obtained by PMC. Also, tree transplantation must be carried out by three authorized agencies; however, there are none in PMC. We also want information about the location and area where compensatory plantations will take place for these trees. And what is the condition of the prior compensatory plant undertaken by PMC?”

Gangotri Chanda, Social Activist, tweeted, ”Transplantation needs to bind roots properly, which remain spread so long that they must be cut. Moreover, in a new place with a changed environment, most of the trees can’t be accustomed to and can’t survive. How can saplings serve the ecology of fully grown trees?”

While talking to Pune Pulse, Dinkar Gojare, Road Department, PMC, added, “We are planning to transplant the trees mainly on Pashan Road and Baner Road, among other areas.”

While talking to Pune Pulse, Ravindra Khandare, a tree officer from the PMC’s Shivajinagar-Ghole Road ward office added, “We will transplant 87 trees to the side of the road itself, creating more space for the widening work. This step is being taken for development purposes, and we need cooperation. We assure the citizens that all their concerns will be looked into. We will also introduce new plants to compensate for the felling of trees. Also, suitable locations will be found to transplant if the available space is not enough.”

Madhupriya Dhanwate