Over 300 trees planned to be hacked for Agri department building in Shivaji Nagar; activists oppose the move

By: Pune Pulse

October 17, 2023

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will be cutting more than 300 trees near Krushi Bhavan, behind Agricultural College in Shivaji Nagar for the construction of the new administrative building of the state agricultural department.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ravi Khandare, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, PMC Shivaji Nagar-Ghole Road Ward Office said, “324 trees will be cut in the Krushi Bhavan premises. In exchange, more than 4,100 new trees will be planted. We have not given permission yet for the construction of the agricultural department building as some residents have opposed this move by filing a complaint to the PMC. On October 16, (Monday), we heard the complaints & grievances of the opposing people &, after a considerable thought, will grant permission for the building construction.”

As per further information from the PMC notice, 324 trees of 25 different types are planned to be cut, out of which 99 trees will be re-planted in the same premises while 225 trees will be hacked completely.

Several activists in Pune have opposed this move.

Ameet Singh, a core member of Pune River Revival said, “Firstly, the report which is prepared seems to be false as it is written that 225 trees will be cut. However, it seems that more than 300 trees are planned to be cut. Secondly, as per the developmental plan & Pune Metro, vehicular parking will not be needed as metro is there, so a mass rapid transit facility is given. However, a 6-story parking space is planned to be created in the proposed new agricultural department building. Why is this 6-storey parking space required? Thirdly, even if the existing building has become old, it doesn’t mean that its base is no longer durable. In the same plinth area, a refurbished building/construction can be done. Also, we have a High Court order which states that alternative designs must be looked into. It shouldn’t be the case where you can implement the plans as prescribed by your architect without taking into account everyone’s consent. The ultimate damage is caused to nature i.e. trees. 100 to 150 year old trees are getting cut due to this which shouldn’t happen at all.”

Shailaja Deshpande, Founder of Jeevitnadi, Pune said, “Instead of putting notices of cutting of the trees, existing trees must be preserved as the existing trees are old enough & matured, particularly in the campuses or premises of the agricultural college & nearby areas. Several living beings like birds etc are dependent on the trees. Hence, instead of damaging nature, planning & thinking of making development along with nature must be done. Even if trees are replanted, the re-plantation rate is very slow & those re-planted trees do not survive for long.”

Hema Chari, a member of the area sabha association, Pune said, “Nowadays, so much development is going on across Pune city. Cutting trees is considered as the only option for development. We claim that technology is progressing & we have so much of progressive technology today. Then, why can’t we come up with solutions which would not hamper nature & trees while creating development?”

Rekha Joshi, a member of Mula Mutha Nai Darshan, Pune said, “225 trees of different types like Paper Mulberry, Ashok etc are planned to be cut. They are very old. Also, there is a 70-year-old matured tree which is planned to be cut. Hence, it is very sad to see this tree cut.”

Shreyas Vange