Pune, August 25, 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to launch a crackdown on individuals and organizations responsible for damaging trees by nailing banners, hoardings, or lighting to them. In a bid to protect the city’s green cover and ensure the well-being of trees, the PMC has issued a stern warning that strict actions will be taken against offenders, starting from Monday.
The initiative comes as a response to the growing concern over the increasing number of unauthorized advertisements defacing trees across the city. On August 18, the PMC issued a notice urging citizens to refrain from such practices and demanding the removal of any advertisements attached to trees. Violators will be subject to punishment under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act of 1975.
The Act explicitly prohibits the felling or damaging of trees in urban areas, regardless of ownership. The PMC’s move aims to enforce this regulation and ensure that trees, crucial for the city’s environment and aesthetics, are not harmed by commercial interests.
Local ward offices have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing strict actions against offenders within their respective areas. Previously, PMC officials would remove unauthorized advertisements from trees themselves. However, the recent warning issued by the civic body emphasizes its commitment to taking more severe actions against those who violate tree protection laws.
As the city grapples with the challenges of urbanization and environmental preservation, the PMC’s efforts to safeguard trees reflect a broader commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of Pune’s natural resources. By initiating a crackdown on those who damage trees through unauthorized advertisements, the civic body is working to create a cleaner, greener, and more attractive urban landscape for its residents.
