Pune: Ganeshkhind Road Widening Sparks Protests Over Tree Removal And Home Demolitions
Pune, 26th September 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced the removal of 350 trees and the demolition of 22 houses during the second phase of Ganeshkhind Road expansion. The decision has led to public protests, although officials assure that the trees will be transplanted and residents relocated.
PMC posted notices on September 15 outlining the expansion work on the 3.5-km stretch from Shivaji Nagar to SPPU along Ganeshkhind Road. The 22 houses slated for demolition are located in Khairewadi at Chaphekar Chowk.
Abhishek Shejale, a local resident, revealed that tree-cutting activities occur between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., causing noise disturbances. Alauddin Shaikh, another resident, expressed concerns about the loss of his home and shop, stating that relocation to a distant area would be unacceptable. Suraj Gulab Hinge, a shop owner, warned that the area would become barren due to the extensive tree-cutting.
Tree activist Hema Chari emphasized the need for enforcing the Maharashtra Tree Act to protect the city’s dwindling green cover. Samir Pradhan, a local resident, called for collective action to prevent further environmental degradation.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ravi Khandare clarified that 195 trees would be cut, and 85 would be replanted. He also assured that residents affected by the demolitions would be rehabilitated as per government and PMC guidelines.
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