Kharadi residents claim miscreants deliberately burning trees along riverbank in area

Pune: Residents of Kharadi have alleged deliberate burning of trees along the Mula-Mutha riverbanks in the area in repeated incidents, sparking concern after lack of strict action by authorities against the illegal activity.A major fire broke out late on Sunday night near the Mundhwa-Kharadi bridge, within the floodline area of the river. The blaze quickly spread through dry grass, shrubs and several large trees along the riverbank, leaving significant environmental damage. Eyewitnesses said thick plumes of smoke engulfed the locality for a long time.Residents claim this was not an isolated incident. According to them, unidentified miscreants have been intentionally setting fire to dry leaves and debris collected at the base of trees, which then spreads to branches and trunks, eventually destroying fully grown trees."These fires are not accidental. Someone is deliberately burning the dry leaves around the trees, which then spreads and kills the trees. This has been happening repeatedly and needs urgent attention," said Shubham Tripathi, an environmental activist in the area.Residents expressed anger over the issue. "We have noticed that such incidents happen late at night, making it difficult to catch those responsible. The authorities must increase patrolling and take strict action against the culprits," said Ravindra Kodre, a resident of the area.Another local resident, preferring anonymity, added, "Large trees that took years to grow are being destroyed in minutes, along with birds' nests and small animals. This is cruelty as well as a serious environmental loss."Civic officials said they would look into the matter. Sanjay Pol, assistant commissioner of the Nagar Road ward office, said that officials would be sent to inspect the site. "If the fires are found to be deliberate, strict action will be taken against those responsible," he said.Residents have urged the civic administration to step up vigilance and preventive measures, warning that continued negligence could lead to irreversible damage to the riverbank ecosystem.