The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken stern action against the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), serving a show cause notice for causing damage to trees on Vetal Tekdi during recent excavation activities.
According to PMC’s tree authority, the damage occurred when ARAI conducted excavation work along the road outside their premises in the second week of June. This trench digging was aimed at improving water drainage but inadvertently exposed and harmed the roots of nearby trees.Also PMC official stated, “Following complaints from local residents on June 24, our team inspected the site and promptly issued a show cause letter to ARAI last week. As of now, we are yet to receive any response from ARAI officials regarding this matter.”
ARAI, in response, has requested exemption from any legal action under the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Preservation and Protection of Trees Act, 1975. However, PMC has urged ARAI to provide a satisfactory explanation within eight days to avoid further legal repercussions.An activist expressed concern over the incident, saying, “ARAI has demonstrated a lack of regard for the delicate ecosystem of Vetal Tekdi, a space they have occupied since 1974. It is crucial that such activities are carried out with utmost caution and sensitivity.”As the dialogue continues between PMC and ARAI, stakeholders and environmentalists alike are hopeful that stringent measures will be implemented to prevent future damage and promote sustainable development practices in Pune’s urban landscape.
