Pune: Empress Garden Land for Court? Horticultural Society Raises Environmental Concerns
Reported by Priyanshu Banerjee
Camp, 24th September 2026: The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India has opposed the proposed transfer of around 2.5 acres of land within Empress Botanical Garden for the construction of a court, arguing that the move could affect the city’s green cover and biodiversity.
The objections were raised at a press conference addressed by Pratap Pawar, president, and Suresh Pingale, honorary secretary, of The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India.
The society, which has been involved in the preservation and maintenance of Empress Garden since 1892, questioned the need to use a portion of the green space for construction and urged the government to reconsider the proposed land transfer.
The organisation said the concerned portion of the garden is home to numerous mature trees, plant species and other biodiversity. It claimed that construction in the area could have environmental implications and affect plans for developing a biodiversity park on the land in the future.
Society Opposes Construction in Green Zone
The society said it has been preserving and nurturing trees and biodiversity on the land with the proposed biodiversity park in mind. It argued that diverting the land for construction could undermine these efforts.
According to the organisation, Pune is already facing challenges related to pollution, traffic congestion and declining green cover. It said protecting existing green spaces is therefore important for the city’s environment and the quality of life of its residents.
The society has raised the slogan, “No development by cutting down trees,” while opposing the proposed construction.
‘134 Years of Preservation Should Not Be Undermined’
The organisation also highlighted its long association with Empress Garden, stating that it has maintained and protected the historic garden since 1892 without financial assistance from the government for its preservation.
It questioned why land that has been protected and maintained for decades through the efforts of the society and public participation should now be considered for transfer for another purpose.
The society said it has submitted representations and raised objections through various platforms against the proposed land-transfer process. It alleged that the process is continuing despite concerns raised over environmental impact and public sentiment.
‘Save Empress’ Appeal
Calling Empress Garden an important part of Pune’s historical and natural heritage, the society appealed for the proposed land transfer to be stopped and for the garden to be protected.
Pratap Pawar and Suresh Pingale urged Pune residents to take up the issue through democratic means and raise their concerns over the proposed use of the garden land.
The society said its campaign is aimed at protecting Empress Garden as a green space and preserving its biodiversity for future generations.
