Pune News: Punawale Residents Oppose Convention Centre, Demand Oxygen Park On 57-Acre Forest Land
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Pune, June 4, 2025: In a strong show of community action, residents of Punawale visited the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) office on Tuesday to formally submit their objection against the proposed construction of a convention centre (SACC) or any concrete structure on the 57-acre forest land in Punawale.
The citizens urged PCMC to honour its earlier commitment to develop an Oxygen Park in the area—an initiative they say is crucial for both environmental preservation and public health. With pollution levels rising, population density increasing, and open green spaces rapidly vanishing, locals believe this forest patch must remain untouched.
“This is the last surviving green buffer for nearly one lakh residents. Not even an inch of this land should be given up for concrete development,” said a representative from the resident group.
The forest zone is seen as vital for maintaining ecological balance in Punawale, which is already struggling with air pollution and urban crowding. Residents also stressed that green infrastructure like an Oxygen Park would greatly enhance the quality of life for families and children living in the vicinity.
PCMC officials acknowledged the submission and assured that the concerns raised were genuine and would be reviewed seriously. A copy of the objection letter was also handed over to local MLA Shri Shankar Jagtap, seeking his intervention to protect the green space.
The petition has been signed by hundreds of Punawale residents, reflecting the strong public sentiment against any form of commercial or concrete development on the land. The community now awaits a responsible and environment-friendly decision from the authorities.
Punawalekars remain hopeful that the long-standing promise of an Oxygen Park will finally be fulfilled.
