Row Erupts in Pune Camp as Decades-Old Tree Cut on East Street, PCB Denies Allegations

Camp, 21st April 2026: A controversy has erupted in the bustling Camp area after a large, decades-old tree was cut down early Tuesday morning on East Street, opposite Universal and Thakker House societies. The incident has triggered strong reactions from residents, who have alleged foul play and questioned the explanation provided by the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB).

Residents Cry Foul
According to local residents, the tree — described as old, healthy, and a vital source of shade during the ongoing summer heat — was allegedly felled to benefit a commercial establishment, “Miss Olive”, which they claim is operating illegally within defence property bungalows in the area.

Residents expressed shock over the timing and manner of the operation, stating that the tree was cut early in the morning without prior notice or any visible assessment. “This tree stood here for decades. Suddenly, it’s gone overnight. We suspect it was removed to improve visibility or access for nearby business interests,” said a local resident, echoing a sentiment shared by several others in the neighbourhood.

The incident has intensified concerns about the shrinking green cover in Camp and the alleged misuse of prime defence land for commercial activities.

PCB Denies Allegations
The PCB has strongly refuted these allegations, maintaining that the tree was removed strictly on safety grounds. Officials from the board’s garden department said the tree had been damaged after being struck by a truck in the early hours of Tuesday.

“A large branch had fallen onto East Street, posing a risk to commuters. The fire brigade responded around 3 am and cleared the obstruction. Following this, our team assessed the situation and initiated the cutting of the tree later in the morning to ensure public safety,” a PCB official said.

The board further clarified that the tree was not removed at the behest of any private individual or business entity.

Questions Remain
Despite the official clarification, residents remain unconvinced and have demanded greater transparency, including access to CCTV footage, incident reports, and an independent assessment of the tree’s condition prior to its removal.

Environmental concerns have also been raised, particularly in view of the extreme summer heat and the critical role of mature trees in urban cooling. Activists argue that if the tree was indeed damaged, alternatives such as pruning or structural support should have been considered before opting for complete removal.

Call for Accountability
The incident has once again brought the functioning of the PCB under scrutiny, with citizens calling for stricter oversight on tree felling and clearer communication with the public.

As the debate continues, the East Street episode highlights the growing tension between urban development, commercial interests, and environmental conservation in Pune’s cantonment areas.