Visit Aims to Evaluate Environmental Impact vs. Traffic Relief Concerns in Pune
In response to mounting opposition and concerns from citizens and environmental activists, a member of the Central Empowerment Committee (CEC), Sunil Limaye, is scheduled to visit Pune on April 5 to assess the proposed Bal Bharati Paud Phata (BBPP) Road. The CEC’s intervention underscores the contentious nature of the project, which has sparked debates over its potential environmental impact and anticipated traffic relief benefits.
The CEC’s decision to conduct an on-site evaluation comes after it wrote to the Pune municipal commissioner, urging for comprehensive details and maps related to the proposed road. Member-secretary Banumati G emphasized the importance of gathering factual information regarding the BBPP Road, particularly its planned route through the Law College hill slopes in Pune.
Ujwal Keskar, a prominent BJP leader, reiterated the PMC’s legal victories in support of the road project and highlighted governmental approval. Emphasizing the road’s significance, Keskar urged the PMC to present all pertinent facts before the committee to address concerns raised by activists and ensure transparency in decision-making.
The proposed BBPP Road has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with environmental advocates raising alarms over potential harm to the hill environment. Conversely, proponents argue that the road will alleviate traffic congestion along Law College Road, thus benefiting commuters. Despite initial plans to float tenders for the project last year, opposition prompted the PMC to postpone its implementation.
As per the revised plan, the BBPP Road is slated to span 2.1 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width, aiming to address traffic woes while navigating environmental considerations.
