Pune News : Balbharati-Paud Phata Road Project: Central Committee Member to file report by May

In Pune, Sunil Limaye, a member of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court, will be submitting a comprehensive report on the Balbharati-Paud Phata Road project by May. This decision follows multiple hearings and on-site inspections conducted over the past week.

Limaye visited the project site on Monday, accompanied by some local residents, after an earlier scheduled visit with officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on April 12. During these visits, Limaye engaged with both PMC representatives and concerned residents to gather insights and perspectives on the proposed road project.

“We will consider significant points raised by both the corporation and the residents to understand the necessity of the road and the importance of preserving the local ecosystem, particularly the tekdi,” said Limaye. He affirmed that the committee will thoroughly discuss all aspects before reaching a consensus, and he committed to filing a detailed report based on the recent on-site inspections.

During Limaye’s visit, approximately 30 residents expressed their concerns about preserving the existing ecosystem on the tekdi. They emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to address traffic issues without compromising environmental integrity. 

Dr Ketaki Ghate, co-founder of Oikos for Ecological Services, highlighted concerns about the proposed road’s impact on natural aquifers and urged for a long-term solution that addresses traffic congestion effectively.

Furthermore, concerns were raised about the project’s compliance with environmental regulations and whether the proposed road would encroach upon reserve forest land. NR Praveen, Chief Conservator of Forest, clarified that, based on their observations, the project does not involve reserve or private forest land, and thus, no permissions were required from the forest department.

Residents also pointed out discrepancies in the project proposals submitted by the PMC, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of the road’s potential impact on the local environment.

The upcoming report by Sunil Limaye is expected to provide valuable insights into the project’s environmental implications and its alignment with regulatory requirements, ultimately guiding future decisions regarding the Balbharati-Paud Phata Road project.