Pune: NGT Cracks Down On Deforestation At Wanowrie Site, All Recreational Activities Halted 

The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) Western Zonal Bench has cracked down on the forest department’s plans to develop an eco-tourism park at the Wanowrie site, ordering a halt to all recreational activities at the location. In a final hearing on Tuesday, the bench directed the department to limit its activities to only plantation and maintenance work, effectively stopping the construction of amenities and infrastructure for tourism purposes.

“The court has also told the department to not use terminology such as urban forestry and ecotourism, and to ensure at least 30% survival rate of plants since the soil in the land is not fertile at present,” said lawyer Kshitija Sarang, representing the applicant.

She said, “.Hon’ble Tribunal has given directions to the forest department to file additional affidavits regarding no eco tourism activities on the reserve forest land survey No 49 , Wanawadi pune. The forest department was playing with the words and gave the affidavit only in respect of no recreational activities on the park again. We have strong objections for the word play like eco tourism/ urban forest/ nature center etc. The only demand from the public is we want Forest as it is. The Hon’ble Tribunal disposed of the case with certain directions and conditions and gave liberty to the Applicant to approach the Tribunal in case of any breach found in the order .” 

The NGT’s order comes after concerns were raised over deforestation and environmental degradation at the site, which is located on reserve forest land. The forest department had planned to build an eco-tourism park with several amenities, but the NGT has now restricted the use of the pathway constructed on the premises to workers and caretakers only.

The bench also ordered the department to upload a survival report of the plantations twice a year on their website and use only treated water supplied by the Pune Municipal Corporation for irrigation purposes. “Owing to the water crisis of potable water, the department is to use treated sewage water for watering of plants,” said the bench.

The NGT’s order is a victory for environmental conservation and a setback for the forest department’s plans to develop the Wanowrie site for tourism.