Pune Monsoon Alert: Tree Collapse in Rasta Peth Sparks Demand for Hazardous Tree Inspection
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Rasta Peth, 3rd July 2026: A major tragedy was narrowly averted after a large tree collapsed near Annabajewala at Mangalmurti Chowk in Rasta Peth at around 3:30 a.m. on Friday. The tree fell onto a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) mandap, completely destroying the temporary structure and severely damaging several parked vehicles.
According to local resident Sagar Afuwale, the incident occurred before the area became busy, preventing what could have been a serious accident.
“The tree fell at around 3:30 a.m. and completely destroyed the PMC mandap. Fortunately, no one was injured and there was no loss of life. If the tree had collapsed around 7 a.m., when the nearby hotel witnesses a heavy morning rush, a major tragedy could have occurred. There are three to four more trees in the area that appear to be in a similarly dangerous condition, and the Pune Municipal Corporation should inspect and prune them immediately,” Afuwale said.
The fallen tree also caused extensive damage to parked vehicles. A Skoda car was completely crushed, while two Maruti Ertiga cars sustained significant damage.
Former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar visited the spot and assisted in the rescue and relief efforts. Local residents Suresh Nayak, Sagar Afuwale, Prashant Mate and Govind Rathi were also present and helped manage the situation until civic officials arrived.
Residents have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation to immediately conduct a survey of potentially hazardous trees in the area and carry out necessary pruning. They warned that several ageing trees pose a serious risk during the ongoing monsoon season and said timely preventive action is essential to avert future accidents.
