Pune: Tree Cutting On Ganeshkhind Road Put On Hold; PMC Commissioner To Personally Hear Objections
Pune: Tree Cutting On Ganeshkhind Road Put On Hold; PMC Commissioner To Personally Hear Objections
Pune, May 7, 2026: The proposed cutting of 529 trees on Ganeshkhind Road for road widening works has sparked strong opposition from environmental activists in Pune, prompting direct intervention by Naval Kishore Ram.
Following protests and a human chain demonstration organised by environmental groups, the Pune Municipal Commissioner stated that he would personally hear objections related to the proposed tree cutting before taking any final decision.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has marked 529 trees along Ganeshkhind Road and pasted notices on them as part of the road widening proposal. However, activists and residents have raised concerns over the environmental impact of the move.
Commissioner Ram clarified that no final approval has yet been granted for the tree cutting proposal and said the matter has not formally reached him for clearance. At the same time, he stressed that citizens should also understand the importance of developmental planning and infrastructure projects.
Environmental activists have intensified their opposition in recent days. Former MP Vandana Chavan on Tuesday alleged that civic officials were proceeding with plans for tree cutting despite lacking proper understanding of environmental regulations and guidelines.
Responding to the criticism, the Municipal Commissioner said on Wednesday that he would personally conduct hearings on complaints and objections related to the trees on Ganeshkhind Road.
Activists have also claimed that nearly 2,500 trees have been cut across Pune for various development projects, including river improvement works, Pune Metro construction and road widening projects.
Commissioner Ram said the civic body would verify whether tree cutting had taken place on such a large scale and assured that replantation measures would also be undertaken after hearings on citizens’ complaints.
