Tree-Cutting in Pune Speeds Up After Fatal Branch Collapse, 309 Applications Approved

Pune, 15th June 2025: In the wake of two deaths caused by falling tree branches during recent rains, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has expedited action on tree-cutting proposals and intensified its efforts to remove hazardous trees across the city.

A total of 309 applications submitted by citizens for the cutting or pruning of dangerous trees and branches have now been approved. The civic body has also begun trimming such trees located within private housing societies, but the cost of this work will be recovered from the respective societies, officials confirmed.

“The Garden Department has acted swiftly on all pending applications received by the municipal corporation,” said Omprakash Divate, Additional Commissioner of PMC. “We’ve taken serious note of the incidents and the risks posed by dangerous trees, especially during the monsoon season.”

The municipal administration came under fire after two people lost their lives in separate incidents—one near Nilayam Cinema and the other in the Erandwane area—due to falling branches. These events prompted intensified scrutiny of the Garden Department’s preparedness and delayed response to known hazards.

According to PMC, tree-cutting and pruning have been carried out at 748 locations across various city zones over the past two months. Of these, 439 sites involved pruning by the civic body’s tree-trimming vehicle.

Following the fatalities, PMC officials, including the Municipal Commissioner and Additional Commissioner, directed the Garden Department to accelerate the removal of dangerous trees and overhanging branches. Meetings were held with zonal and Garden Department officials to ensure quicker action. However, complaints continued to pour in, alleging that permissions were still being delayed.

Previously, the authority to approve such requests rested with the Tree Authority Committee, which reportedly slowed down the decision-making process and impacted other infrastructure projects. To address this, PMC decentralized the licensing authority, allowing local ward offices to process and approve applications. However, even after decentralization, complaints of bureaucratic delay reached the Additional Commissioner’s office.

“Despite giving powers to local committees, delays persisted. That was unacceptable, especially after two lives were lost,” Divate added. “We’ve now cleared all 309 proposals, and strict instructions have been issued to cut down any hazardous tree or branch identified during the monsoon, including those in private premises.”

PMC has instructed all departments to be vigilant during the rains and take immediate action if dangerous trees are spotted. For societies with such trees on their premises, PMC teams will intervene, but the expense will be billed to the society concerned.