PMC asks citizens to protect trees or face fine of upto Rs 5000Â
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged the cooperation of all citizens in protecting the city’s green cover and complying with the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. It is imperative to preserve and protect the environment for the well-being of the present and future generations.
According to the Act, cutting, burning, or harming trees without a permit is an offense, punishable by a fine of at least Rs. 1000 and imprisonment of up to one year. The Tree Authority Department operates under the ordinance and rules set by the Government of Maharashtra to protect and preserve the city’s green cover.
The Chief Superintendent of Garden and Member Secretary of the Tree Authority, Ashok Ghorpade, has appealed to citizens to report any dead or diseased trees before the rainy season or any trees that may pose a risk to life and property. Such trees can be removed or replanted with permission from the concerned tree officer, along with proper documentation and photographs of the tree.
Ghorpade emphasized that complete removal or replanting of such trees and pruning of the trees should be done before the monsoon season to avoid any future dangers. The Tree Authority’s primary goal is to ensure that the citizens of Pune enjoy a safe and healthy environment.
