A case has been registered against Gera Imperial Gateway, Gera Development Pvt. Ltd, and key executives Kumar Gera, Vijay Kalyankar, and Balaji Khandekar for illegal tree cutting. The incident, uncovered by nature enthusiasts, occurred along the jogging track from Bhosari to Nashik Phata, within the jurisdiction of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
The unauthorised felling of trees was first reported on May 16 and 17 by environmental advocates Sanjay Ausarmal and Sagar Kasbe. Following their report, a team from PCMC’s Garden Department conducted an inspection at the site and discovered that ten trees had been cut down. The investigation revealed that the trees were felled without the necessary approval from the Tree Authority Department of PCMC, prompting the municipal corporation to issue a notice and subsequently file a formal complaint.
On May 27, the Bhosari police registered a case under multiple sections of Maharashtra’s tree preservation laws, including Section 3/1 and Section 4 of the Maharashtra Cutting of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, and Section 21/1 of the Maharashtra (Civil Areas) Survey and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. These statutes mandate that any tree cutting within municipal limits requires prior permission, with stringent penalties for violations.
The implicated parties, including Gera Development Pvt. Ltd., face significant legal repercussions. The law prescribes a fine of Rs 50,000 for each tree cut without permission and Rs 10,000 or two years’ imprisonment for unauthorised trimming. The case is scheduled to be heard in the civil court at Morwadi.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to environmental laws designed to protect urban greenery. Trees play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, offering shade, reducing air pollution, and enhancing the aesthetic value of urban areas. The enforcement of these laws is vital to ensure that development projects do not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
PCMC’s swift action in registering the case highlights the municipal body’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and holding violators accountable. It sends a clear message to developers and corporations about the non-negotiable nature of environmental regulations.
As the case proceeds to court, it will be closely watched by environmentalists and the public alike, serving as a litmus test for the robustness of environmental governance in urban India. The outcome will potentially set a precedent for future cases of environmental violations, reinforcing the necessity of sustainable development practices that align with ecological preservation.
