Pimpri-Chinchwad residents demand transparent tree felling process

Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad gathered on Wednesday to voice their concerns about a plan by the municipal corporation to remove 439 trees and transplant 681 others. This plan affects trees along the Wakad bypass to Sangvi bridge area of the Mula riverfront development project. The residents argue that the plan violates the Maharashtra Tree Act and does not meet requirements from the State-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority. They are unhappy with the project’s lack of scientific details, including the age and species of the trees, and have called for a new public hearing. Hema Chari Madubhashi, one of the residents, expressed frustration that the proposal was submitted without adequate review by experts. Another resident, Pushkar Kulkarni, emphasized the need for proper documentation and transparency in the decision-making process. Umesh Dhakane, an official from the PCMC's Garden Department, heard the residents' objections and stated that their concerns would be forwarded to the tree authority. He also assured that they would look into reports of illegal tree felling and debris dumping along the river. Environmentalists warned that removing trees in this area could harm local wildlife and violate environmental laws. They urged PCMC to conduct a proper site survey to clarify which trees are being removed and to comply with previous environmental conditions. Meanwhile, residents also highlighted the illegal trimming of trees near Pimple Nilakh and have called for the authorities to ensure transparency and address their objections before moving forward. PCMC officials confirmed that a police complaint had been filed regarding the unlawful cutting of trees.