Pune: SPPU Students Protest Against Large-Scale Tree Felling, Raise ConcernsÂ
SPPU Calls For Proposals To Launch New Courses and Research Centres for 2026-27
Concerns over deforestation at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have escalated after students alleged that nearly 50 rare trees were cut down in the forested area behind the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar statue. Adding to their concerns, large amounts of debris, stones, and soil have been dumped at the site, raising suspicions about the motive behind the activity.
For the past month, tractors and bulldozers have reportedly been operating under the cover of darkness, burying felled trees under rubble. Alarmed by this, students shared videos on social media, drawing widespread attention. Following the backlash, Acting Registrar Dr. Jyoti Bhakre visited the site, after which the heavy machinery was removed. However, when questioned about the tree felling, Dr. Bhakre allegedly refused to comment. Attempts to seek an official response from the university administration have been met with silence, leaving students frustrated.
Suspicions Over Intent
Students claim that a convention center project was previously planned for the same location but was scrapped due to strong opposition from students and social organizations. However, fresh reports of large-scale tree cutting in the same area have reignited fears that the land is being cleared for a revived project.
Further fueling suspicions, students pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently visited SPPU, where the Vice-Chancellor allegedly discussed restarting the project.
“This is a conspiracy, and we will not allow it to happen,” said Rahul Sasane, President of the University Student Struggle Action Committee. The National Student Congress has also condemned the deforestation and warned of mass protests if the tree-cutting continues.
