Pune Activists Raise Concerns Over Proposed Tree Cutting at Yerwada Mental Hospital
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Yerwada, 14th May 2026: Environmental activists and local residents have raised strong objections to the proposed cutting of 269 trees at the Yerwada Mental Hospital premises for a new construction project. Members of the citizens’ group ChaloPMC alleged that authorities have failed to fulfill earlier commitments related to compensatory plantation and environmental safeguards.
According to activists, the project was earlier put on hold after environmental planner Meghna Bhandari suggested an alternative design aimed at preserving the existing trees while complying with safety norms. Protesters claimed that authorities had been instructed to plant nearly 6,000 trees before carrying out any tree-cutting activity, but the plantation work has not yet been completed.
Environmental activist Rekha Joshi alleged that authorities had claimed to have planted 500 trees but had not publicly disclosed their locations.
“They said they had already planted 500 trees, so they should show where these trees have been planted. They are also saying that 6,000 trees will be planted through the Forest Department, and we appeal to the department to ensure the process is properly implemented,” she said.
Another environmental activist, Ameet Singh, claimed that activists and officials had earlier held detailed discussions regarding the project before construction work began.
“We had jointly discussed and planned what would happen and what would not. Despite that, construction activity has already started there,” he said.
Anne Anish, an AAP leader and social worker, demanded that no trees be cut until the full plantation target is achieved.
“We do not want them to cut any trees until 6,000 trees are planted,” she said.
Responding to the allegations, Shashank Malekar, Junior Engineer from the Public Works Department (PWD), said plantation work had already been initiated as per official directions.
“We had planted 500 additional trees. Authorities instructed us to plant 5,935 trees, and we are planning to do this on Forest Department and PMC land. We have already submitted a letter to the Forest Department and will submit another for further follow-up. Construction work started years ago, but the trees have still not been cut,” he said.
Activists have warned of legal action if any trees are felled before the completion of the compensatory plantation process and have demanded strict implementation of provisions under the Tree Act.
