Pune News : Bombay High Court Directs PMC to Replant 71 Trees on Ganeshkhind Road

In response to a PIL filed by NGO Parisar Sanrakshan Sanwardhan Sanstha and two activists from Pune, the Bombay High Court has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to replant 71 trees on Ganeshkhind Road. This decision comes following the recommendation of an expert committee appointed by the court to address concerns over tree felling for road widening and the Metro rail (Line 3) project.

The stretch between Sancheti Hospital and Pune University junction on Ganeshkhind Road is slated for widening from 36 meters to 45 meters, necessitating the removal of trees. However, the court-appointed committee of experts was tasked with finding a solution that would minimize tree loss.

After receiving the committee’s report, the court directed PMC to implement the recommendation for replanting the trees. The committee, comprising experts in road construction, environmental engineering, and urban planning, was mandated to devise a plan to save the maximum number of trees while addressing traffic congestion on the road.

PMC officials have stated their commitment to complying with the committee’s recommendation and are currently formulating their response. The decision to replant the trees reflects a concerted effort to balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation.

The road widening plan

* 192 fully-grown trees proposed to be felled for road widening under the PMRDA, Metro and flyover project

* Authorities have already cut down some trees

* Plan was to relocate around 87 native species of trees

* PMRDA claims it has relocated 11 trees

* The stretch of road from SPPU Gate to Sancheti is being widened from 36 metres to 45 metres

The court’s directive underscores the importance of sustainable urban development and highlights the collaborative efforts of stakeholders to mitigate the impact of infrastructure projects on the environment.