Pune: Questions Raised Over MahaMetro’s 41,000-Tree Plantation Drive
Pune, 13th May 2026: Environmental activists have raised several questions regarding MahaMetro’s decision to plant 41,000 trees and maintain them for the next seven years. Concerns have been expressed over whether the metro authority has sufficient space for such a large-scale plantation drive and what species of trees will be planted.
The issue came to light after MahaMetro published a tender for the plantation project on March 25. Activists have sought clarity on whether the trees are being planted as compensation for those cut during metro construction work and whether the plantation will comply with environmental department norms.
In a letter addressed to MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, members of the NGO Aapla Parisar questioned the lack of details in the tender document. The letter was submitted by organisation president and former corporator Ujjwal Keskar, along with Prashant Badhe and Suhas Kulkarni.
The activists have asked where the trees will be planted and whether any maps or identified locations for the plantation are available. They have also questioned whether a horticulture or landscape consultant has been appointed for the project.
According to the letter, the tender does not specify the species of trees to be planted, their height, age, or exact plantation sites. Environmentalists have also asked whether these decisions will be taken by MahaMetro or by the contractor awarded the tender.
Further concerns were raised over the delay in opening the tender bids even after the final submission deadline of April 27 had passed.
The activists stated that while the initiative to plant 41,000 trees is commendable, transparency and proper planning are essential to ensure effective environmental restoration.
