PMC to send legal notice to private developer for illegal cutting of trees near Ramnadi in Baner

An unauthorised tree-cutting incident has come to light in the area of Mula-Ramnadi confluence zone where a private developer has cut several trees without the required permissions from the PMC. The PMC will now send legal notice to the developer.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Sarang Wable, Resident of Baner, said “Several environment lovers are planting new trees. It takes at least 8 to 10 years for the growth of one tree. However, the already-present trees near the rivers, which are 50 – 60 years old, are getting cut. No one knows if new trees are getting planted. At least such trees, which do not pose any kind of risk anywhere, should not be cut. Cutting riverside trees ultimately impacts the river as well. I don’t understand why trees have to be cut every time.”

Pushkar Kulkarni, Resident of Baner, said “The due procedure must be followed. Even if it is any type of land, all the appropriate & legal procedures must be followed, compensatory action must be ensured, what type of work is going on, why is it going on etc must be thoroughly checked.”

Ameya Jagtap, Member, Balewadi Welfare Federation, said “Trees getting cut is obviously completely wrong. Even if trees are cut, 3 trees for every 1 cut tree have to be planted. Just as a formality, new trees are sometimes planted as compensation. However, where are these getting planted, who will nurture them etc is often ignored.”

Shailaja Deshpande, Founder of Jeevitnadi, said “Conservation, restoration & protection of trees must be done &, by nurturing the existing trees, how the number of trees can be increased must be thought upon. However, the existing green cover of Pune is rapidly getting destroyed. By cutting trees of a particular area, we stop the growth & propagation of other trees there. Replanting trees has got no importance as its success rate in Pune is very less. Also, by removing trees grown on secured land, if trees are replanted on unsecured land, who will ensure the nurturing & protection of those trees?”

Anil Sabale, PMC Tree Officer, said “We will send legal notice to the concerned developer within 2 days, after inspecting the area. It is learnt that the developer did not take the relevant permissions & Garden department NOC before cutting trees.”

Shreyas Vange