Pune: Residents Allege Illegal Tree Cutting On Hingne Khurd Hill Slope; PMC Urged To Take Immediate Action
Pune: Residents Allege Illegal Tree Cutting On Hingne Khurd Hill Slope; PMC Urged To Take Immediate Action
Pune, January 1, 2026: Serious concerns have been raised over alleged illegal tree cutting and unauthorised land excavation on a hill slope at Hingne Khurd, with residents repeatedly urging the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to intervene and stop the activity.
According to a series of complaints submitted by local resident, large-scale tree cutting and plotting work has been underway since December 30, 2025, at Survey No. 23/1, Anandvihar Colony 2, Hingne Khurd, an area classified under the Hill Top–Hill Slope (HTHS) zone, where such activities are prohibited. The complainant has alleged that the work is being carried out without any visible permissions from civic or forest authorities.
In emails addressed to PMC officials, the Tree Authority, the Sinhgad Road Ward Office, and the Divisional Commissioner, the complainant claimed that nearly 80 per cent of the trees on the hill slope have already been cut, with heavy machinery such as JCBs deployed at the site. He warned that the activity poses a threat to the environment, public property, and the safety of residents living at the base of the hill, citing the risk of soil erosion and landslides.
PMC officials acknowledged receipt of multiple complaints and confirmed that grievance tickets related to illegal tree cutting and unauthorised plotting were registered on the civic complaint portal. The matter was forwarded to the concerned departments, including the Garden Department and the Tree Authority, for further action. The Garden Department, in an official communication, noted that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Tree Authority and requested appropriate action while keeping the complainant informed.
The issue has also been escalated to senior authorities, including the Pune Divisional Commissioner, who directed officials to take immediate action. However, the complainant has alleged delays in enforcement and claimed that the activity resumed despite complaints and inspections being sought.
Civic officials have not yet taken any action at the site, informed the complainant. Residents and environmental activists have demanded an immediate on-site inspection, a halt to all unauthorised work, and strict legal action against those responsible, along with measures to restore the damaged hill slope and tree cover.
The matter remains under scrutiny as citizens continue to press for swift and transparent action from the authorities.
