Pune Mayor Bungalow Tree Cutting Row: 20 Trees Felled, PMC Faces Questions
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th April 2026: At least 20 trees have been cut inside the official residence of Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Ghole Road, triggering outrage among citizens and environmental activists.
The development came to light after locals alleged that several decades-old trees were felled under the pretext of routine pruning. The mayor’s bungalow had a number of fully grown trees, including tamarind, peepal, umbar, and neem, along with ornamental plants, which contributed to the greenery and aesthetic appeal of the property.
According to sources, the tree cutting took place during recent beautification work carried out at the mayor’s residence following municipal elections. While the civic administration has claimed that only branches were trimmed, ground reports suggest otherwise. Several trees were stripped of all branches, three were uprooted entirely, and visible damage was inflicted on others, indicating extensive cutting.
As per rules of the Pune Municipal Corporation, prior permission from the Tree Authority is mandatory before cutting or even pruning trees within city limits. The process requires submission of valid reasons, photographs, and issuance of a public notice in newspapers. However, officials have so far avoided clarifying whether due procedure was followed in this case.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from environmentalists and citizens, who have condemned the alleged large-scale tree cutting at the residence of the city’s first citizen.
Assistant Commissioner Balasaheb Dhawale Patil said that permission had been obtained for pruning branches at the mayor’s bungalow. “We receive multiple applications daily for tree trimming. I will verify who sought permission, when it was granted, and provide details,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure stated that the tree cutting was underway even before she moved into the residence. “After I noticed the work, it was halted for two days. I was informed that the trees were in poor condition and that due permission had been taken. The administration told me the cutting was done as part of treatment for the trees,” she said.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over compliance with tree protection norms in Pune, with calls for transparency and accountability from the civic administration.
