Fear Grows in Pune as Tree Collapse Complaints Pile Up; PMC Yet to Act on 229 Cases

Pune, 29th May 2025: As pre-monsoon showers continue in Pune, fear looms large among residents due to the rising number of tree-related accidents. Despite two recent deaths caused by falling trees, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to address 229 pending complaints about hazardous tree branches across the city.

Every year, the PMC’s Garden Department undertakes pruning of dangerous tree branches as part of its pre-monsoon safety measures. However, even eight days after the arrival of monsoon rains this year, the response remains sluggish. The civic body received a total of 1,611 complaints in April regarding dangerous trees and branches on both private and public properties. While 1,382 complaints were addressed, action on 229 cases remains pending.

Three days ago, a young man lost his life when a tree collapsed in Karvenagar. On Wednesday, a senior woman died near Peshwa Park in a similar incident. These back-to-back fatalities have heightened concern among citizens, especially those regularly passing under large, untrimmed trees.

During monsoons, heavy rain and wind often lead to the collapse of overgrown or weak branches. These trees, planted along roadsides and within private societies, pose a threat if not maintained properly. According to PMC data, there were 254 tree and branch fall incidents reported in May alone.

“Before the onset of rains, dangerous branches were trimmed across the city. As of now, 324 branches have been cut. We have issued instructions to continue trimming potentially dangerous trees,” said Additional Commissioner Om Prakash Divte.

However, ground-level feedback tells a different story. Citizens, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that complaints to the Garden Department are frequently ignored. Some regional offices, they claim, are shirking responsibility, citing the expiry of contracts for tree pruning. In some cases, PMC officials have reportedly asked residents to cut branches themselves after obtaining permissions.

The delay in addressing the remaining complaints is raising serious questions about PMC’s preparedness for the monsoon. With lives already lost and over 200 high-risk complaints unresolved, the city remains vulnerable unless urgent action is taken.