Hey Pune peeps, it looks like the PMC is at it again with their tree-cutting approval! This time, they’ve given the green light to chop down 120 trees along Sakalnagar to Shivajinagar, including Ganeshkhind Road. And guess what? They haven’t even finished their compensatory plantation from the last time they got in trouble for cutting trees without permission.
Back in December, the Tree Authority approved the removal of 81 trees and the transplantation of 42 others, causing outrage among environmentalists and concerned citizens. They’re saying that this decision will only harm Pune’s already struggling green cover and goes against previous court orders.
Speaking of court orders, remember when the High Court told the PMC to transplant 71 trees along Ganeshkhind Road as part of a road-widening project? Yeah, well, they’re still supposed to plant 5,000 new trees and maintain a 95% survival rate for 10 years. But it seems like they’re not exactly following through on that.
Ranjit Gadgil from Parisar is not happy with the PMC’s actions, calling it “shocking” and pointing out the lack of foresight in their planning. Parisar has even filed a contempt petition against the PMC for not following the court’s directives.
On the other hand, a senior PMC official claims that the tree cutting is necessary for the Metro project and that the compensatory afforestation has already been done. They’re planning to submit an affidavit to the High Court in January to explain their side of the story.
Despite the official’s explanation, environmentalists are still skeptical about the PMC’s transparency and accountability. This whole situation has reignited the debate on how to balance urban development with environmental conservation in Pune. Stay tuned for more updates on this controversial issue!
Thanks For Reading Report of Punepress.com