Pune Protest: Citizens Form Human Chain Against Cutting of 529 Trees on Ganeshkhind Road
Shivajinagar, 2nd May 2026: Over 300 citizens formed a human chain on Maharashtra Day (May 1) along the busy Ganeshkhind Road to protest a proposed tree felling plan linked to a road widening project by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The demonstration took place in the evening between Simla Office Chowk and Police Parade Ground (Agriculture College Chowk), where citizens gathered to oppose the cutting of 529 roadside trees, including banyan trees estimated to be around 200 years old and audumbar trees believed to be over 350 years old.
The protest, organised by the Tree Conservation Committee, Pune, was coordinated by Rupesh Kesekar and Sameer Nikam. Participants included professionals from various fields such as IT engineers, doctors, lawyers, professors, architects, chartered accountants, yoga teachers, and businesspersons, along with children and senior citizens.
Holding placards with messages such as “Don’t play with nature, it risks our future” and “Save trees to stop rising heat,” the protesters raised slogans like “Save Trees, Save Pune” and questioned the rationale behind the proposed felling. Some participants pointed out that while metro pillars were not considered obstacles, decades-old trees were being labelled as obstructions.
Citizens expressed anger after noticing numbered markings and felling notices placed on the trees. The human chain concluded near a large tree adjacent to the police ground, where participants gathered to mark the end of the protest.
Addressing the gathering, Rupesh Kesekar appreciated the turnout despite the summer heat and said the voices of over 250 citizens were likely to reach the civic administration. He expressed hope that the road widening decision would be reconsidered in favour of preserving the trees.
During the event, organisers also announced the formation of a Citizens’ Tree Conservation Committee. Sameer Nikam stated that the committee would independently monitor tree felling incidents across Pune and work towards creating awareness about tree protection laws among citizens.
He added that the committee would function impartially, without affiliation to any political party or NGO, and focus solely on conservation efforts.
Many participants also clicked photographs with the large banyan trees as a symbolic gesture to preserve memories amid concerns over their possible removal.
