Pune Riparian Forests: Push For ‘Deemed Forest’ Status Gains Support
Pune Riparian Forests: Push For ‘Deemed Forest’ Status Gains Support
Pune, September 4, 2025: Prominent organizations and citizens have urged state and central authorities to recognize and protect the rich riparian forests of Pune’s rivers as “Deemed Forests” in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. In July and August, letters were submitted to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Maharashtra, by Jeevitnadi, Ecological Society, Devrai Foundation, Nisargsevak, Pushkar Kulkarni, and Prashant Raul.
These letters requested the formal notification of the riparian forests along the banks of the Mula, Mutha, and Mula-Mutha rivers within Pune city as “Deemed Forests.” These unique dense canopies exhibit ecological characteristics of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, fulfilling the criteria laid down by the Honourable Supreme Court for classification as “deemed forests.” In addition, Jeevitnadi addressed a letter to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), urging protection not only for the Mula, Mutha, and Mula-Mutha but also for the Pavana and Indrayani rivers.
The communication included extensive evidence of rich biodiversity and the presence of riparian forests along these riverbanks. Acting on these representations, the CEC has directed the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard riparian forest areas along the Mula, Mutha, Mula-Mutha, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers.
The CEC has specifically given directions to: ● Halt all proposed tree felling till the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 1164/2023 and enquire into the complaint. Take cognizance and necessary action to preserve and protect the dense foliage and wildlife. ● Conduct a thorough on-ground survey of the Mula-Mutha riparian zones to assess their ecological characteristics for inclusion in the “Deemed Forest” category. ● Issue an interim order/ direction to PMC and PCMC to refrain from causing damage to these riparian zones or felling of trees until the identification and demarcation process is completed. ● Review of all representations received from civil society organizations and citizens regarding potential forest areas. Meanwhile, citizen voices have also highlighted local ecological treasures. Vandana Chowdhary had raised a grievance regarding the protection of the Ram-Mula Devrai (sacred grove) at the Ram-Mula confluence.
Following her appeal, Forest Range Officers visited the site, and the Pune Forest Division has written to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mumbai, emphasizing the ecological importance of this grove. Their report notes that the Ram-Mula confluence area hosts over 1,000 heritage trees and supports more than 450 species of flora and fauna, including species protected under Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The division has strongly recommended measures to safeguard this unique biodiversity hotspot and recommended that PMC & PCMC revise the river rejuvenation project plan to prevent further damage to the protected biodiversity and its habitat. So far, government officials have not demonstrated the necessary due diligence and independent application of mind in this matter.
Civil society groups stress that Pune’s riverside forests are not empty land awaiting development but vital ecosystems providing flood regulation, biodiversity habitat, groundwater recharge, and cultural value. Immediate recognition and protection as “Deemed Forests” is essential to prevent irreversible ecological loss. Citizens trust that the local authorities will respect and uphold the Supreme Court’s order and the CEC’s directions, ensuring full protection of our riparian zones.
