Misuse of power by MSEDCL in Wagholi, claim Pune Samvad Citizens Forum 

On April 10, an incident transpired in Wagholi, Kesnand Phata, Bhavadi Rasta, Pune, which has deeply perturbed us at Pune Samvad Citizens Forum. It involves the flagrant misuse of power by certain MSEB (Maharashtra State Electricity Board) Officers and its appointed workers, targeting an individual who merely sought transparency and adherence to the law.

An observer, while returning home, witnessed MSEB workers engaged in cutting several branches of Trees near the sub-station at Vagholi. Upon inquiry regarding the permission for tree trimming, the workers responded with rudeness and disdain, disregarding the observer’s concerns and didn’t produce any permission letter that’s required trim branches of trees.

To clarify the situation, Observer contacted the Horticulture Mistry of Nagar Road Ward Office, Sandeep Chavhan, who explained that the Tree Authority grants year-long permission to trim tree branches that are posing threats to power supply and human safety. However, workers must carry the permission letter while trimming branches.

Furthermore, taking this incident personally, MSEB officer after enquiring where the observer lives and on the next day sent a formal letter to the observer’s society, falsely accusing that society resident is obstructing a government servant from their duties.

Ameet Singh, Sathya Natarajan, 

Rupesh Keskar, Chaitanya Ket

Hema Chari, Vijay Suratkal and 

all the concerned citizens of Pune Samvad – a citizen’s forum issued a letter to the media stating the whole story behind the incident. 

The letter sent by a group of active Pune residents said, It’s deeply troubling to witness such blatant abuse of power by public servants entrusted with ensuring the welfare of the community. We, at Pune Samvad Citizens Forum, strongly condemn this behavior and demand accountability from the MSEB Chief Officer.” 

“We remind MSEB and its staff of their duty to serve the public with integrity and respect for the law. The laid procedure by PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) regarding tree trimming permissions must be strictly adhered to, without exception. The permission letter to trim or cut any tree requires the applicant to show the permission letter when anyone asks for it,” added the letter. 

We call upon MSEB to issue a formal warning to the concerned officer and staff involved in the incident, ensuring such acts of intimidation are not repeated in the future. We would also like to clarify here that, as per the Tree Act, rules, and High Court orders, the Tree Officer can’t grant blanket permission for an entire year to MSEB staff to trim any trees. As per Tree Act (Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975), it’s required for the applicant to apply for tree permission in writing, along with photos and reasons for the same. Only after personal verification can the Tree Officer grant permission to trim the trees, clearly stating the length of tree branches to be trimmed from the top. The purpose behind this is that excessive permission for tree trimming can lead to irreparable damage to trees. Additionally, certain instances have been recorded where individuals completely cut down trees under the guise of tree trimming, stated the letter.