Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), renowned for its verdant campus and cherished by walking enthusiasts and nature aficionados, finds itself under a concerning threat—the hacking down of over 100 trees on a Sunday morning.
The shocking incident unfolded within the confines of hostels numbered 2, 7, and 8. However, when students sought clarity and approached the PMC’s garden department for permission, the university’s estate department maintained a cryptic silence.
According to students, a distressing scene unfolded as over 100 trees were ruthlessly felled, loaded onto trucks, and transported away from the campus. The vehemence of this action has sparked outrage among citizens and students alike, who are demanding stringent measures against those accountable for this grievous loss of trees and subsequent depletion of the campus’ green canopy.
A witness, preferring anonymity, shared, “Early in the morning, workers arrived to cut down the trees. When questioned about permissions, they claimed ignorance, emphasizing their urgency to complete the task. Their lack of authorization was evident. Approximately one hundred trees were felled, and the timber hastily loaded onto a truck. There are suspicions that the orchestrators were supported by the university administration.”
Another student expressed indignation, stating, “While the university claims to invest substantial funds in tree plantation, it seems paradoxical that trees within the campus are felled without hesitation. This reprehensible action is met with our resounding protest. We confronted the SPPU administration, requesting documentation of the permissions obtained, only to be met with denial.”
Vijay Dhawale, the executive engineer of SPPU’s estate department, remained unresponsive to inquiries seeking his input on the issue. As the public outcry intensifies, the need for a transparent inquiry is becoming paramount.
The incident not only raises questions about environmental conservation but also about the accountability of institutions entrusted with preserving natural resources. Pune University’s sprawling campus has long been an emblem of ecological balance, offering a retreat from the concrete jungle. The university’s claims of allocating funds for afforestation initiatives stand at odds with the distressing sight of uprooted trees.
Beyond the immediate loss of green cover, the impact of such an action reverberates through air and water quality, temperature regulation, and the overall well-being of the campus ecosystem. Trees are not just lifeless entities; they form a web of life that supports countless organisms and provides invaluable ecological services.
In light of these concerns, concerned citizens, students, and environmentalists are urging a thorough investigation into the incident. Identifying the individuals responsible for the tree felling and understanding the motivations behind their actions are essential steps toward preventing similar incidents in the future.
It is vital for Pune University to collaborate with relevant environmental authorities and organizations to restore the lost greenery. Additionally, the incident underscores the need for clear and stringent protocols regarding tree removal within the campus. Transparency in decision-making, coupled with involvement from students and environmental experts, can help strike a balance between development and ecological preservation.
