Pune: Citizens Raise Objection To Proposed Felling Of 530 Trees On Ganeshkhind Road
Pune: Citizens Raise Objection To Proposed Felling Of 530 Trees On Ganeshkhind Road
Pune, April 16, 2026: Residents and environmental activists have raised strong objections to the proposed felling of approximately 530 trees along Ganeshkhind Road, urging authorities to reconsider what they describe as an “ineffective and environmentally damaging” road widening project.
According to concerned citizens, the objection deadline has been set for April 23, 2026, at 6 PM, with appeals being made to the public to submit formal objections via email.
Locals highlighted on-ground observations near Model Colony, close to the HP petrol pump, where trees beyond the metro pillars have been marked and numbered for removal. Visual evidence shared by residents indicates that a significant number of mature trees are slated for felling as part of the project.
The primary concern raised is that the proposed road widening plan includes multiple bottlenecks, where the road width remains narrower than the intended final width. Residents pointed out that a similar pattern was observed in earlier construction between Pune University and RBI College on the same stretch, where widened sections were interspersed with narrow choke points.
Critics argue that such planning defeats the purpose of road expansion, as these bottlenecks could continue to hinder traffic flow despite large-scale tree removal. “This type of road widening offers little benefit while causing irreversible environmental loss,” a citizen group noted.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reportedly listed 529 trees for removal in its official docket, further intensifying concerns about the environmental impact of the project.
Residents have also referenced a landmark judgment by the Bombay High Court dated April 17, 2024, related to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 210 of 2023) concerning Ganeshkhind Road. Supporting documents, including RTI correspondence, have been included in draft objection emails circulating among citizens.
Activists are now urging wider public participation, calling on citizens to raise objections against what they term a “futile exercise” in the name of infrastructure development, and to push for more sustainable and effective urban planning solutions.
