Legal Battle Or Protest? Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti In Pune To Decide On Balbharati-Paud Phata Road Project
Pune: PMC Reviews Need For Fresh Environmental Clearance For Balbharati To Paud Phata Road
Pune: The Vetal Tekdi Conservation Action (Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti) Committee has stated that a meeting will be held in the coming days to decide whether to challenge the High Court’s verdict in the Supreme Court or take the path of protest against the Balbharti-Paud Phata road project.
The High Court recently ruled that there can be no interference in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) decision regarding the much-debated road project. The committee has now decided to review the legal aspects before determining its next course of action.
VTBKS is grateful to Nagrik Chetna Manch (NCM) for fighting a legal battle for tekdi.
— Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti (@VTBKS_Pune) February 24, 2025
NCM had filed a PIL in 2022. Few days back HC concluded this case. Nagrik Chetna Manch case had two aspects- questioning the legality of Tender for DPR and due process under HC order of 2006… pic.twitter.com/j0lX0XiPrB
The Balbharti-Paud Phata road has been included in the city’s Development Plan (DP) as an alternative route connecting Kothrud and Senapati Bapat Road. The road, which starts from Balbharti and Vetal Tekdi, passes behind Law College and ends near Paud Phata in Kelwadi. With a budget of ₹252.13 crore, PMC has already initiated work on the project, arguing that it will help reduce traffic congestion.
However, environmental activists have strongly opposed the project, citing concerns over ecological damage. The Nagrik Chetna Manch had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the road’s environmental impact. The court dismissed the plea, stating that PMC followed the due process and that there can be no interference in its administrative decisions. This has now paved the way for the project to move forward.
Committee member Prajkta Panshikar stated that environmentalists still demand that PMC prove the project serves public interest. “Since the High Court has ruled against intervention, we will thoroughly review the legal aspects before deciding the next course of action,” she added.
