Ex-MP Chavan, activists urge PMC to stop tree-cutting at Ganeshkhind Road

Pune: Various city based activists along with former MP Vandana Chavan have approached PMC with a demand to stop all major tree-cutting plans in the city. Referring to the proposed tree-felling on the Ganeshkhind road, the activists expressed a strong opposition to the move claiming that PMC's plan of cutting over 500 trees on the Ganeshkhind road was not required as the trees are not affecting road carriageway.The activists handed over a demand letter to civic chief Naval Kishore Ram and appealed to take urgent cognisance of their demands and of the concerns raised pertaining to the tree-felling including many heritage trees and more than 50 years old trees.Chavan said that the trend of blatant cutting of trees is causing irreparable damage to the city's ecological fabric. She said that the development is essential, but the manner in which tree felling has been undertaken raises serious questions regarding adherence to statutory safeguards and procedural requirements under the Maharashtra (urban areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, the rules framed thereunder. The widespread and continuing instances of large-scale tree felling across the city over the past few years for various works and projects has generated deep concern among city residents."The activists put forth many questions and sought clarifications from the PMC officials on proposed tree felling plans. But they did not receive adequate details from the civic officials. The legal framework governing urban tree protection has undergone significant evolution in recent years. The new regime mandates scientific assessment, procedural and technological transparency and personal accountability for civic officers", Chavan said.