Pune: Why Residents Are Opposing Kothrud Road Project Over 480+ Trees

Kothrud, 29th September 2026: A proposed road project in Kothrud has faced opposition from local residents and environmental activists over the proposed felling of more than 480 trees for the construction of a 20-metre-wide road included in the Development Plan (DP).

Residents gathered at Siddharth Towers to oppose the proposed tree felling and said they would intensify their protest and approach the court, if necessary, to prevent the trees from being cut.

The proposed road is planned through government-owned land behind Mrityunjayeshwar Temple, covering Survey Nos. 12/2 and 12/5.

According to residents, tree-cutting work began at the site last week but was temporarily halted following their opposition.
The residents have served a legal notice on the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and sought information about the project through applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Residents Raise Questions Over Road Project

Residents claimed that the government land is proposed to be used for a road that would reportedly be operated by a private party for 20 years. They are discussing legal options and other measures to oppose the proposed tree felling.

Residents have also raised concerns about the possible impact of the project on a natural stream and drainage channel passing through the area. They said changes to the existing water flow could increase the risk of waterlogging or flooding during the monsoon.

They also argued that mature trees at the site should be protected, particularly amid concerns over the survival of trees planted as part of earlier transplantation and compensatory plantation initiatives.

Elected Representatives Meet Residents

Local corporators Manjushree Khardekar and Mitali Savalkar met the protesting residents and heard their concerns.

According to the residents, officials from the PMC Road Department indicated that completely stopping the project may not be possible.

However, the elected representatives said efforts would be made to examine whether changes to the proposed road alignment could reduce the number of trees affected.

Residents Consider Legal Action

Residents are considering further collective action and legal intervention over the proposed road project.

Yadwadkar, who raised concerns about the project, alleged that the proposed road passes through a natural stream and said the issue could be challenged legally. He said residents would need to come together and build collective pressure to ensure that their concerns are considered by the administration.

The residents said their primary demand is to protect the existing trees while examining alternatives to the proposed road alignment.