Pune Residents Condemn Tree Felling for Urban Development Projects
Pune Residents Condemn Tree Felling for Urban Development Projects - Pune pulse
In Pune, a growing number of trees are facing the axe as a result of various civic initiatives, including road expansion, flyover and bridge construction, and more. However, concerned citizens and activists in Pune are vehemently condemning these tree-cutting activities.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ameet Singh, a Core Member of Pune River Revival, expressed his concerns, saying, “The beautification and widening of several roads in Pune are currently underway. For instance, Ganeshkhind road is set to be widened by 45 meters, leaving just 2 or 2.5 meters of space for footpaths on both sides. The scale of this road expansion is hard to fathom. If road widening alone could solve traffic issues, we’d have 100-lane roads everywhere. Unfortunately, this massive road expansion project by the PMC is taking a toll on our trees. Around 390 to 400 trees are slated for removal on Ganeshkhind road alone. When considering all the roads in Pune, approximately 3,500 trees may be felled. Conducting development work by destroying nature is simply unacceptable.”
According to information shared by Ameet Singh’s social media account, “394 trees will be lost on Ganeshkhind road, and tree cutting is expected to expand into other neighborhoods soon. This video marks just the beginning of a grim series of events. A total of 3,500 trees are set to be sacrificed across Pune, affecting 15 arterial roads totaling 79 kilometers earmarked for development.”
Apart from Ganeshkhind road, tree felling is also taking place in various parts of Pune, such as between Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar, Kharadi, and others. Damage to trees, including posters being affixed to them in Viman Nagar and Lohegaon, as well as harm caused by concrete development in Viman Nagar, are also affecting the city’s trees.
Uma Khare, another Member of Pune River Revival, questioned the PMC’s rationale for tree felling, stating, “The PMC’s justifications for tree removal are neither convincing nor legitimate. The PMC has already cut down over 300 trees. Only time will tell how beneficial this will be. We must also scrutinize how the PMC is gaining an additional Floor Space Index (FSI) for roads. While the PMC claims to replant the trees it removes, who is responsible for the destruction of biodiversity in the region? Where will the local wildlife go? It appears that the PMC is turning Pune into a desert by felling trees.”
Hema Chari, a Member of the Area Sabha Association in Pune, emphasized the need to preserve green areas. She said, “This year, we witnessed record-high summer temperatures. Urban heat is on the rise and shows no signs of abating. Therefore, we must protect our green spaces. Simply pouring concrete or expanding roads is not an acceptable solution. We have sent numerous letters to the PMC, particularly regarding the widening of Ganeshkhind Road, suggesting increased bus services to naturally reduce traffic congestion. However, instead of considering alternative solutions, these efforts are solely focused on road expansion and tree removal. The loss of so many mature trees will undoubtedly impact Pune’s overall climate. Excessive concrete on wide road surfaces also leads to poor water drainage, resulting in flooding. The sudden loss of numerous trees is highly detrimental.”
Maithili Manakawad, representing the Wanowrie Residents Forum, criticized the PMC’s tree-cutting practices, saying, “The PMC often cuts down trees for trivial reasons, and there is a lack of balance in their approach. Their planning, especially regarding tree selection and concrete usage, is questionable. The prevailing trend seems to be the removal of existing trees for road expansion purposes.”
Ameya Jagtap, a Member of the Balewadi Welfare Federation, stressed the importance of preserving Pune’s green cover for sustainable development. He stated, “Most trees are being sacrificed for road expansion. Take Ganeshkhind Road, for example; it once had a beautiful tree canopy. However, it has now vanished due to road expansion. This is not a sustainable solution. To achieve sustainable development, safeguarding Pune’s trees and greenery must be a top priority. In addition to Ganeshkhind Road, trees in Kalyani Nagar and other areas have fallen victim to road expansion. The PMC has also felled numerous trees along the Mula Mutha riverside. We must seriously consider whether Pune is truly moving towards sustainable development.”
Rekha Joshi, a Member of Mula Mutha Nadi Darshan, Pune, emphasized the critical role of trees in maintaining a healthy environment. She remarked, “Trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Oxygen is essential for all living beings, including humans, animals, and plants. Trees also serve as habitats for animals and birds. When trees are cut, these habitats are destroyed. Therefore, whenever we undertake development projects, we must prioritize the preservation and maintenance of trees. Authorities should consider the adverse impacts of tree destruction on all living beings, not just humans.”
Shailaja Deshpande, the Founder of Jeevitnadi in Pune, highlighted the invaluable services provided by mature trees. She stated, “Cutting down mature trees is a significant loss to the environment. Mature trees offer various services, including temperature regulation, reduction of evaporation losses, carbon sequestration, air pollution mitigation, and support for biodiversity. These services are often undervalued. Pune is losing its green cover rapidly. Regardless of what authorities claim, replanting trees is expensive, and survival rates are low. Compensatory planting and nurturing are often neglected. Pune citizens must voice their demands to save trees.”
Deshpande further said, “Every infrastructure project should first prioritize the conservation and protection of existing green infrastructure, which is currently not happening. Authorities seem more interested in developmental plans than safeguarding the environment.”
