The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has served a notice to a residential society in Nigdi Pradhikaran, Sector 27, for allegedly cutting down a mature Phanshi/Dalbergia Lanceolaria (Khobra Amba) tree. The PCMC, through the notice, has mandated the society to provide reasons for this action within seven days, warning of impending consequences if they fail to comply.
Dhananjay Shedbale, Trustee of Devrai Foundation, expressed his dismay, stating, “This is a terrible situation, and we feel ashamed that this has happened in broad daylight and on a very busy road. This tree was in full bloom in the recent past, and even today you can see huge seeds fallen on the ground when this has been killed by the merciless gang.”
Shedbale emphasized the critical role of trees as the “endless prayers of Mother Earth” and urged for immediate action and vigilance to prevent the depletion of the city’s green cover. He called for a thorough investigation and the filing of a criminal case under the Maharashtra Tree Act 1975 and Forest Act 1972 for biodiversity damage.
“We request the PCMC to take immediate action to investigate this matter and find out who is behind this and what was the motive of this felling and file a criminal case under Maharashtra Tree Act 1975 and Forest Act 1972 for biodiversity damage and any other which you feel is appropriate,” Shedbale continued.
The tree department of the civic body has summoned the chairman of the society to respond to the notice, setting the stage for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged unauthorized tree felling.
