Pune: Penalty of Up to Rs 1 Lakh for Illegal Tree Cutting During Dussehra, Warns PMC
Pune, 1st October 2025: With Dussehra (Vijayadashami) set to be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued strict warnings against the illegal cutting of tree branches for festive rituals. Offenders may face penalties of up to ₹1 lakh under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act.
Vijayadashami is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, as it marks the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana. Traditionally, rituals include the worship of weapons, vehicles, books, and exchange of Apte (Bauhinia) or Shami leaves, which are regarded as symbolic “gold.” However, authorities noted that the festival often sees widespread illegal felling of mango, Shami, Apte, and other trees across the city, causing environmental harm.
To curb this practice, PMC has launched an awareness drive. Member Secretary of the Tree Authority, Ashok Ghorpade, cautioned that strict action will be taken against anyone found cutting branches without official permission. “If anyone is found cutting tree branches illegally, they can be fined up to one lakh rupees,” he said.
PMC has also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report cases of illegal tree cutting to the Tree Authority Department. On receiving a complaint, officials will inspect the site and initiate action against offenders.
Within PMC limits, tree protection falls under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, the Tree Protection and Conservation Rules, 2009, and a Bombay High Court order dated September 20, 2013.
Further, the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation and Conservation of Trees (Amendment) Act, 2021 makes it a punishable offence to burn, cut, damage, or harm trees without permission. Violations can attract fines equal to the assessed value of the damaged tree, up to a maximum of ₹1 lakh.
