Pune: PMRDA Files Criminal Cases After Illegal Felling Of 88 Trees Across Manjari Budruk And Sinhagad Areas Â
Pune: PMRDA Files Criminal Cases After Illegal Felling Of 88 Trees Across Manjari Budruk And Sinhagad Areas Â
Pune, May 8: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has uncovered illegal felling of 88 trees across its jurisdiction, prompting the filing of three criminal complaints. The violations were discovered at Manjari Budruk, where 70 trees were cut without authorization; Menon Ashram in Sinhagad, with 17 trees felled; and Mantra Hill Society, where one tree was removed unlawfully.
Criminal cases have been registered at the Manjari and Sinhagad police stations, while spot inspections are ongoing at six additional locations where unauthorised tree cutting has been reported. Panchnamas have been completed in seven cases, and further legal action is expected.
The PMRDA, which covers nine talukas and 814 villages, is facing increasing pressure on its green cover due to rapid urban development. Despite receiving 125 formal applications for tree felling over the last two months, officials say illegal incidents continue to surface — particularly involving farmers and developers bypassing the required approval process.
Under the guidance of PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase and Additional Commissioner Deepak Singla, a coordinated crackdown has begun. The Tree Authority Committee, which grants felling permissions based on set criteria, is overseeing the investigations.
In one of the most serious violations, a farmer in Manjari Budruk reportedly cut down 70 trees without seeking permission. Unauthorised cutting was also recorded at Menon Ashram and Mantra Hill Society, with additional complaints currently being prepared for filing.
Farmers and builders have cited various reasons for tree felling, including obstruction to infrastructure projects, interference with streetlights and electric lines, and risk posed by old trees. Over 120 applications for legal tree removal have been submitted within the last two months, according to PMRDA data.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of violating environmental norms and bypassing the established procedures for tree felling.
