In a contentious development, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has ignited public outrage by announcing plans to remove 350 trees and demolish 22 houses as part of the second phase of the Ganeshkhind Road expansion project. Despite assurances from officials that the trees will be transplanted and residents will be relocated, these decisions have triggered vocal protests from concerned citizens.
The PMC initiated the expansion project on September 15, issuing notices regarding the planned work on the 3.5-km stretch running from Shivaji Nagar to SPPU along Ganeshkhind Road. The 22 houses slated for demolition are situated in Khairewadi at Chaphekar Chowk.
Local resident Abhishek Shejale lamented the tree-cutting activities, which are conducted between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., causing considerable noise disturbances. Alauddin Shaikh, another affected resident, voiced concerns about losing his home and shop, asserting that relocation to a distant area would be unacceptable. Shop owner Suraj Gulab Hinge warned of the looming environmental impact, predicting that the extensive tree-cutting would render the area barren.
Prominent tree activist Hema Chari underscored the urgency of enforcing the Maharashtra Tree Act to safeguard the city’s dwindling green cover. Meanwhile, local resident Samir Pradhan called for unified action to prevent further environmental degradation.
In response to the mounting concerns, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ravi Khandare clarified that while 195 trees would indeed be cut down, 85 of them would be replanted. Furthermore, he assured the affected residents that they would be rehabilitated in accordance with both government and PMC guidelines.
