Punawale Residents Demand Oxygen Park To Combat Rising Air Pollution

Punawale Residents Demand Oxygen Park To Combat Rising Air Pollution

Punawale Residents Demand Oxygen Park To Combat Rising Air Pollution

Share This News

Pune, January 20: The rocky terrain of Punawale is drawing attention for its dire need for environmental conservation. Among the extensive development projects, a 50-acre green patch within the PCMC limits stands as the only source of greenery in the area. Residents are advocating for this patch to be converted into an “Oxygen Park” to address increasing air pollution and improve overall air quality.

The “Punawale Residents Forum,” led by Sumit Dhage, has taken the lead in this initiative. They have been actively caring for the forest patch by watering trees and ensuring its safety. However, the group emphasizes the urgent need for intervention from the Forest Department and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to preserve the forest and implement the park project. Punawale residents Rahul Kate, Vitthal Baral, Sumit Dhage, Suresh Ranawade and Suryakant Sonar highlighting the issues of the area which need attention on priority. 

The residents recently wrote a letter to the Chinchwad constituency MLA Shankar Jagtap about their requirement of drainage facility, oxygen park, road development, and adequate water supply. 

Poor Road Conditions In Punawale Need Attention :

Blis1

Sai Millennium Society (Sandip Patil) to Kate Chowk and Kate chowk to Kate Corner (Gaikwad Nagar road)  

Why an Oxygen Park is Essential

The Punawale forest area, with its two water bodies and dense greenery, serves as the “lungs” of the locality. Residents believe transforming it into an Oxygen Park will not only curb air pollution but also provide a much-needed recreational and breathing space for the community.

Challenges in Conservation

Sumit highlights the group’s ongoing struggles:

  • Deforestation: Illegal tree cutting and fires, fueled by emerging labor camps, pose significant threats.
  • Pollution: Dust from nearby construction and poor road conditions worsen air quality, leading to respiratory ailments among residents.
  • Lack of Support: While a tender has been issued for the park’s development, concrete action is still awaited.

Voices from the Community

Vitthal Barsal, an IT professional and local resident, shared his concerns: “Road construction has left potholes and created dusty conditions. My father and son are now suffering from asthma due to poor air quality. Developing the Oxygen Park is crucial for our health and wellbeing.”

Proposed Solutions

To protect the forest, residents suggest:

  1. Installing strong fencing around the green patch.
  2. Deploying security guards to prevent illegal activities.
  3. Addressing pollution by creating proper pathways and managing construction dust.

Residents are determined to escalate their protests if no substantial action is taken. “This park could solve many of our problems. We urge PCMC and the Forest Department to prioritize this project,” said Sumit.

The demand for an Oxygen Park is not just a call for environmental conservation but also a plea for better living conditions in Punawale.

IMG-20250103-WA0015
IMG-20250103-WA0015