Pune residents oppose tree removal for new buildings

Residents in Aundh, Pune, are protesting against a government plan to cut down 112 trees on the ITI campus. The Public Works Department (PWD) wants to build two hostels and two office buildings in the area. Local residents and activists voiced their concerns during a public hearing on objections. Many are unhappy because they believe the PWD's methods for measuring tree age were inaccurate. They also criticized the lack of proper plans for planting new trees as compensation. Advocate Maitreya Ghorpade pointed out that the Maharashtra law requires a single proposal for projects that impact many trees. He argued that dividing the proposal into parts makes it hard to see the full impact. Residents are worried that construction work is already underway, even though tree-felling approval has not been granted. They highlighted that trees in the area meant for a hostel are being covered in debris, which could harm them. Architect Meghana Bhandari emphasized the importance of saving trees, especially with climate change concerns. During the meeting, Deputy Engineer G S Naik stated that the PWD would revise its proposal as instructed. Tree authority officer Girish Dapekar said he would ensure the public has access to all documents related to tree-felling approvals and compensation planting. Residents are urging the authorities to consider the ecological impact before moving forward.