Pune: PCMC to Implement Security Measures for Proposed Oxygen Park in Punawale
Punawale, 22nd January 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will be asked to implement comprehensive security measures for the proposed Oxygen Park in Punawale following a meeting between residents and Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap on 16th January 2025. Residents are expressing the sentiment that the implementation of security measures will effectively initiate work on the oxygen park. Additionally, Jagtap announced plans for a Metro line passing through Punawale and other major developmental works.
MLA Jagtap stated he would direct PCMC to begin fencing work, deploy security guards, and initiate tree plantation under an already approved tender to protect the forest area from illegal wood cutting, fires, and unauthorized dumping. This development comes after residents raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the forest land.
“Punawale forest is facing serious threats from illegal wood chopping, littering, fires, and garbage dumping. While residents have undertaken plantation drives, immediate action is required from PCMC to safeguard the area with guards and fencing. With this, the Oxygen Park project essentially begins, as fencing and security guards will be needed even then,” said Sumit Dhage from Punawale Residents Forum who has been actively involved in forest preservation efforts.
The site, previously designated for a garbage depot, was redesignated as an Oxygen Park following strong opposition from residents, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The park is expected to serve as a crucial green lung for the rapidly developing region.
Infrastructure Issues Raised in Residents’ Meeting
During the meeting, MLA Jagtap also addressed other infrastructure concerns, promising to expedite road and drainage work from Sai Millennium Housing Society to Kate Corner. Although plans for the development of other parts of Punawale have been announced, this particular area had been previously overlooked. The Punawale Residents Forum voiced concerns regarding this issue, and MLA Jagtap assured he would follow up. Additionally, plans for the Punawale-Tathawade underpass gained attention.
Metro Extension Plans Through Punawale
Jagtap confirmed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending the Metro line through Punawale has been submitted and is being actively pursued. Currently, the Pune Metro in Pimpri Chinchwad covers a limited area. However, there are plans to connect Bhakti Shakti and Wakad metro stations in the future. If this route receives approval, Punawale residents will have access to the metro system.
