In a move that has sparked outrage among residents and environmental activists, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has given the green light to cut down 80 trees for a road widening project in Koregaon Park. The decision, part of a 24-meter wide widening initiative from Rajput Dairy to Kalyani Nagar, has already commenced, leaving citizens and environmentalists infuriated.
Residents and Activists Speak Out:
Aarti Kataria, a Koregaon Park resident, voiced her concern, stating, “Cutting those branches which are dangling or are at a hazardous position is fine, but it is not right to cut entire trees. If the PMC is doing this, it is an injustice as trees are also living beings.”
Rohan Desai, another resident of Koregaon Park, emphasized the need for planned projects, expressing, “Due to current climatic changes here, the temperature of Koregaon Park has risen. Such unplanned works will only worsen the issue. PMC promises to replant trees wherever trees are cut, which never happens.”
Ameet Singh, a Pune citizen activist and core member of Pune River Revival, criticized the overnight tree chopping, stating, “All the trees at North Main Road, Koregaon Park, were chopped at night. It makes more sense to take a pause on development and address these issues first. Stop felling trees. Think differently on how to develop the city.”
PMC’s Response:
A PMC Road Department official, requesting anonymity, explained the necessity of tree removal, stating, “The proposed widening will be 24 m wide, 12 m on one side & 12 m on the other. As many as 80 trees are on the road coming in the way of the project.”
The controversial decision raises questions about the balance between development and environmental preservation, with citizens and activists advocating for more thoughtful and sustainable solutions.
