Pune: Residents Allege Unlawful Felling Of Trees In Koregaon Park, Mundhwa; Prompts Police Complaint
Koregaon Park, 14th April 2025: A group of concerned citizens has accused authorities of illegally cutting down 10 to 12 trees in the Koregaon Park and Mundhwa areas on Saturday (12th April), during ongoing road widening work. Locals claim that the tree cutting was carried out without proper documentation or the presence of municipal officials, which is mandatory under environmental regulations.
Environmental activist Vijaya Suratkal, who filed a complaint with the Mundhwa Police Station, stated that large-scale tree cutting was observed near the ABC Farms road on Saturday afternoon. When questioned, the workers on site produced incomplete paperwork, raising suspicions of serious procedural lapses.
According to Suratkal, no officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) were present during the felling, which is in direct violation of rules under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act. Furthermore, the official application for the tree cutting bore only one expert signature, while a 2013 Bombay High Court ruling mandates the signatures of at least three experts for such activities.
Suratkal added that the workers did not possess the required tree-felling orders or travel permits, and no evidence was shown of plans to replant or compensate for the removed trees. “This clearly demonstrates a breach of legal procedure and court directives by the Road Department,” she said.
She also pointed out that during the official hearing regarding the tree felling, concerns were raised suggesting that the trees should not be cut. If absolutely necessary, proper replantation or compensatory afforestation should have been ensured.
