Pune Forest Department Faces Funding Crunch, Afforestation Projects in Jeopardy
Pune, 8th July 2025: The Pune Forest Department is facing a financial crunch, which is putting a strain on its routine operations and key monsoon-related initiatives, including afforestation and forest surveillance. Essential expenditures—including fuel for patrolling, staff allowances, and biodiversity maintenance—are being curtailed due to the lack of funds.
Officials state that no financial assistance has been received from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) since March 2024, which has disrupted their annual planning. Traditionally, the department is allocated around ₹3 crore per year, but this year, not a single rupee has been disbursed so far.
The department is now urging the PMC to immediately release funds and renew the Joint Management Agreement for 10 urban forest areas developed under the Centre’s “Nagar Van” (Urban Forest) scheme. The current agreement, which governs over 330 hectares in areas like Warje, Dhayari, Mundhwa, Sinhgad foothills, Kothrud (Hingne Khurd), and Katraj (Gokulnagar), is due to expire in March 2025. Officials are seeking a five-year renewal to ensure continuity.
According to forest officers, an estimated ₹1 crore is needed to carry out this year’s tree plantation and conservation activities. Delays in fund release and agreement renewal could derail the entire 2025–26 afforestation season.
“Despite several reminders and proposals, there has been no official action from the civic body,” said Manoj Barbole, Range Forest Officer. “These funds have been critical in enhancing green cover and preserving sensitive forest zones around Pune. Without support, recent gains could be reversed.”
Responding to the concerns, PMC Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divte acknowledged receiving the proposal from the forest department in late May. “Due to current budgetary limitations, we can only assist one site right now. I’ve asked the Garden Department to explore possibilities for extending additional financial support,” he said.
The fate of Pune’s urban forests now hinges on timely intervention from civic authorities, without which both the environment and public engagement with green spaces may suffer.
