Pune : PCMC to deploy four squads to curb illegal cutting of tree
By: Pune Pulse
August 23, 2023
Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is planning to deploy four squads in order to address the frequent occurrences of unauthorized tree cutting. These measures will effectively reduce such incidents. The decision comes in the background of a private company recently chopping off eight trees in the Bhosari MIDC area without any proper authorization.
As per information, the company was granted permission to trim the branches of trees near the Sant Tukaram Nagar metro station, but instead, the trees were cut. There has been an alarming increase in the large-scale cutting of trees across various areas of the city, often for construction purposes or to accommodate advertisement boards. Notably, even trees on private land, including those belonging to the municipality, are being cut down without the necessary permits. To counter this issue, the Garden Department will deploy four separate squads dedicated to preventing tree-cutting incidents.
In the case of cutting an unauthorized tree, immediate legal action will be taken, and criminal cases will be registered. Furthermore, Pradeep Jambhale-Patil, Additional Commissioner has announced the introduction of a dedicated helpline number, to be known as the Sarathi helpline.
While talking to Pune Pulse, Rajesh Vasave, Garden Department added, ”Strong action will be taken against people found cutting trees illegally. We will issue them a notice and ask them to pay a fine. If they fail to pay the fine, they will be produced in front of the court.”
