In response to concerns surrounding transparency in tree cutting and ongoing activities within the Taljai forest area, residents of Pune have initiated a tree mapping project on Taljai Hill. This grassroots effort aims to address the lack of transparency and controversy surrounding recent tree pruning activities by the Forest Department.
Citizen-led Initiative
Members of the Sahakarnagar Citizen’s Forum have launched an independent website dedicated to gathering data on tree species present in the Taljai forest area. Mandar Joshi, a forum member, is leading the initiative, urging citizens to contribute information about trees they observe in the area. The goal is to document the tree species existing in the Taljai forest and provide updated information to the public.
Goal and Methodology
Ketki Sathe, another forum member, emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to document trees in the Taljai forest area. While all plant species will be documented, the focus will primarily be on trees. Currently, the initiative has garnered support from 16 volunteers, with more expected to join as awareness grows.
Inclusive Participation
Mandar Joshi, founder of the website OneFlora and initiator of the Taljai Bachao Abhiyan group, has emphasized the voluntary nature of participation in the project. The criteria for tree mapping have been outlined, and citizens are encouraged to contribute voluntarily. A Google form has been created to gather information from the public, with a presentation scheduled to discuss further details on how people can contribute.
Forest Department’s Perspective
A forest official clarified that the department does not conduct per-tree census in forest areas but employs a mapping method based on canopy cover, as per central government guidelines. Despite the absence of per-tree counting, the department monitors plantation activities, including the number of trees planted and their survival rates.
