Pune: The Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board has requested a detailed status report from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regarding the proposed 10 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) on the Ganeshkhind garden premises, currently owned by the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyalay (MPKV) in Aundh. This request follows a letter sent to PMC on June 12, spurred by a citizens group’s opposition to the project, which they claim threatens the biodiversity heritage site (BHS).
The citizens group, in a written complaint to the board on June 5, expressed concerns that the project would necessitate the felling of 50 trees, many of which are rare jackfruit species. They argue that the construction would compromise the garden’s BHS status and disrupt research activities conducted by MPKV college staff and students. Additionally, they highlighted that the movement of construction vehicles and tankers would disturb the local fauna.
The Ganeshkhind garden, currently home to over 4,000 trees, is seen as a vital green space. Despite these concerns, the state government had given in-principle approval for the PMC to acquire land for the STP in January 2023. The citizens group has urged the biodiversity board to revoke these permissions, suggesting that the PMC explore alternative locations for the STP on their existing land.
MPKV officials have stated that the PMC had not sought the necessary permissions from the biodiversity board or the college’s executive council for the project. A senior college official noted, “If the STP is necessary, all rules must be strictly followed.”
A representative from the JICA project drainage department defended the STP, asserting that it is essential for treating sewage from Aundh and Bopodi. The official clarified that only 0.3 hectares of the total 33 hectares would be required for the project. The JICA project operates under the Centre’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The official noted, “MPKV had initially approved the land usage for the STP. However, objections arose following a change in the dean. We have conducted several meetings, and the state government instructed us to resubmit the proposal to the biodiversity board, which subsequently approved it.”
The official added that meetings were held with the director of MPKV and the PMC chief, and permission was granted for soil testing. “We have not received any formal communication from the biodiversity board. If we do, we are prepared to explain how the STP will be environmentally beneficial.”
The ongoing debate underscores the tension between urban development and environmental conservation, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. The PMC’s next steps and the biodiversity board’s response will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
