The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has directed the Maharashtra government to immediately halt all construction activities related to the proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata Road (BBPP) project.
This decision comes in response to a petition filed by the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti (VTBKS), a citizens’ group, highlighting potential ecological risks to the Vetal Tekdi area. The CEC’s directive, issued on May 16, 2025, emphasizes the need to protect areas identified as “deemed forest” along the 2.1 km proposed road alignment. The committee warns that proceeding with construction in these zones would violate the Supreme Court’s judgment in the T.N. Godavarman case (1996) and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023. The committee has requested the Maharashtra chief secretary to ensure that no work is undertaken in these areas until the Supreme Court reviews the matter.
The VTBKS petition, filed in March 2024, raised concerns about the potential irreversible damage to the Vetal Tekdi ecosystem, an urban forest that serves as a critical green lung for the city. The group alleges that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) failed to comply with a 2016 Bombay High Court order, which mandated a comprehensive need assessment and environmental impact assessment before any decision could be made on the project. Following the petition, the CEC conducted a site visit on April 12, 2024, to assess the situation. CEC member Sunil Limaye met with local citizens and officials to understand the community’s concerns. The findings from this visit are currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.
The BBPP project aims to alleviate traffic congestion on Law College Road by providing an alternative route. However, environmentalists argue that the proposed road would lead to the destruction of significant green cover, disrupt local biodiversity, and contribute to increased pollution. They also contend that the road would not effectively address the city’s traffic issues, citing studies indicating minimal impact on overall congestion. In contrast, PMC officials assert that the road is essential for improving traffic flow and reducing pollution in the area. They argue that the project has undergone necessary legal procedures and that the environmental concerns can be mitigated through appropriate measures.
The Supreme Court’s review of the CEC’s findings will be crucial in determining the future of the BBPP project. The outcome will have significant implications for urban development and environmental conservation in Pune. As the situation develops, all parties involved await the Supreme Court’s judgment, which will ultimately decide the fate of the proposed road and its potential impact on Pune’s ecological landscape.
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