Pashan-Sus road widening work in Pune has left the roots of around eight to 10 mature peepal trees exposed and a drinking-water pipeline suspended without proper support, raising concerns about tree safety, water-supply disruption and possible accidents. The road project is being carried out by the Pune Municipal Corporation, while residents have sought immediate protective measures.
The affected stretch is part of a 400-metre grade separator project intended to provide a more direct route from Pashan towards the Bengaluru Highway. The work has been progressing slowly for the past four months, according to the report. Excavation along the roadside has damaged sections of the protective structures around the trees and exposed their roots.
Residents said the excavation has left the trees vulnerable to being uprooted. They also said the contractor had previously been informed about the risk to the trees but had not taken adequate corrective measures. The exposed roots and damaged tree guards have become a concern along a road that is used regularly by local residents and pedestrians.
The excavation has also exposed joints in the drinking-water pipeline serving the area. The pipeline is reportedly hanging without adequate support, creating a risk of damage that could interrupt water supply. Residents have additionally raised concerns about the possibility of an accident if the line breaks or the excavation remains unsecured.
Environmentalist Sampat Naik said the Pashan-Sus road was used by him daily and that the contractor had been informed about the trees earlier. He called on the municipal administration to take immediate steps to protect and conserve them.
Pune Municipal Corporation tree inspector Anil Sable said he had recently received information that the road-widening work was endangering the peepal trees. He said the site would be inspected to determine the exact situation and that appropriate action would be taken urgently.
Pramod Mahale, deputy engineer in the municipal roads department, said the road-widening work was planned for completion by December. He said the site would be inspected to assess the safety of the trees and that the contractor would be given strict instructions to take appropriate precautions.
The immediate response is expected to focus on stabilising the exposed pipeline, securing the excavation and protecting the trees while the grade separator work continues. The municipal inspection and the directions issued to the contractor will determine the next steps at the site.
