Pune Citizens Score Victory As NGT Orders Revision Of Tree Felling Proposal For Sadhu Vaswani Overbridge
Pune Citizens Score Victory As NGT Orders Revision Of Tree Felling Proposal For Sadhu Vaswani Overbridge
In a significant win for environmental activists and citizens, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to revise its tree felling proposal for the construction of the Sadhu Vaswani overbridge. The decision comes after a joint committee, appointed by the principal secretary, highlighted that the PMC had not scientifically assessed the age of the trees marked for cutting.
The controversy began when citizens filed a complaint on May 31, expressing concerns over the felling of trees for the proposed overbridge near Bund Garden. In response, the NGT’s western bench ordered the PMC to submit its response and instructed the Maharashtra Tree Authority to conduct a site visit and submit a report.
Ameet Singh, an applicant in the case, hailed the NGT’s decision as “a small victory” and expressed gratitude for the directions that will save many trees in the area. Singh emphasized that more efforts are needed to protect Pune’s green cover and heritage trees.
The joint committee’s report revealed that the PMC had erroneously identified trees for cutting, prompting the NGT to order the removal of serial numbers painted in red on these trees. The committee recommended quashing the PMC’s original proposal to cut 61 trees and instead submitting a revised proposal for 18 trees that have been physically identified for felling.
The NGT also warned authorities that future errors would result in fines. The tribunal praised citizens for their efforts in saving the trees and directed the PMC to comply with the committee’s recommendations, including compensatory planting, transplantation, and involvement of citizens’ forums in plantation drives.
This verdict marks a significant milestone in the fight to preserve Pune’s environmental heritage. As Singh noted, “We will continue to fight for our green cover and heritage trees.”
