Pune News: ₹9.6 Lakh Fine Imposed For Illegal Cutting Of 20 Trees In Dighi’s Swarajya Colony
Pune News: ₹9.6 Lakh Fine Imposed For Illegal Cutting Of 20 Trees In Dighi’s Swarajya Colony
Pimpri: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has imposed a hefty fine of ₹9.6 lakh on a landowner in Swarajya Colony, Dighi, for the unauthorized cutting of 20 trees. The incident took place on land owned by Shri Kashimath Sansthan, where the trees were allegedly removed without municipal permission.
According to the Garden Department of the PCMC, various trees including coconut, areca nut, mulberry, teak, Indian gooseberry (amla), almond, hibiscus, and cashew had been planted on the property. These trees, each standing about four to five feet tall, were uprooted completely, while several branches were pruned.
The issue came to light after a complaint was lodged by Krishna Prabhu, following which municipal officials conducted a site inspection on December 24, 2024. A panchnama (spot inspection report) was drawn up by the Garden Assistant and Assistant Garden Superintendent.
A show-cause notice was issued to the landowner, Mohandas Mallya. However, no explanation was provided in response to the notice. As a result, PCMC levied a penalty of ₹50,000 for each uprooted tree and ₹10,000 for the pruning, totaling ₹9.6 lakh.
This action underscores the strict measures being taken by the municipal corporation against illegal deforestation within city limits.
