PMC road widening plan faces backlash over massive tree felling in Koregaon Park
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) latest road expansion project has ignited a wave of protests, as residents and activists strongly oppose the planned felling of 308 trees in Koregaon Park. The civic body’s decision to widen roads at the cost of greenery has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the absence of alternative solutions. The proposal, which includes cutting 255 trees along North Main Road, 55 near the Burning Ghat Road crematorium, and 10 on Mangaldas Road, has led to growing concerns over urban deforestation. Activists argue that the PMC has failed to conduct proper assessments, including determining tree age, and has not offered any replantation plans to compensate for the loss.
The road widening project, which aims to increase Burning Ghat Road from 18 metres to 30 metres, includes a footpath of just 1.8 metres, raising questions about pedestrian safety and green cover retention. At a public hearing held at the Dhole Patil Road ward office, over 20 citizens, including environmentalists, lawyers, and urban planners, voiced their objections. Many accused the PMC of disregarding the Tree Act, which mandates age determination before felling trees, a violation recently flagged by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the Sadhu Vaswani Bridge case. “Officials admitted they lack the methodology to determine tree age, yet they continue sanctioning felling permits. This is a clear violation,” said advocate Maitreya Ghorpade, stressing the need for stricter compliance with environmental laws.
Urban development versus environmental preservation: An unresolved conflict
The PMC’s approach reflects an ongoing struggle between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in Indian cities. Pune’s increasing population has led to rapid urbanisation, with infrastructure projects often prioritised over ecological considerations. While road widening may ease congestion, environmentalists argue that the long-term consequences of tree loss are far more severe. Studies have shown that tree cover significantly reduces urban heat islands, improves air quality, and supports biodiversity—factors crucial for a city like Pune, which has witnessed rising temperatures due to rampant tree loss.
Citizen groups also criticised the civic body for already exposing tree roots by allowing extensive road digging, accelerating the deterioration of existing green spaces. “PMC follows its internal road design rather than Indian Road Congress guidelines, which is incorrect. Concrete pavements surrounding tree bases prevent root aeration, weakening them over time,” noted activist Chaitanya Ket. Urban planners warn that unregulated concretisation and tree cutting could lead to higher instances of local flooding and reduced groundwater recharge, worsening Pune’s environmental challenges.
Sustainability concerns and the need for balanced urban planning
Environmental sustainability must be at the core of urban infrastructure planning to ensure long-term ecological balance. Comparisons with cities that have successfully integrated development with environmental preservation, such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, highlight the importance of tree transplantation and green infrastructure initiatives. Pune, which once prided itself on its lush tree cover, is now facing a stark reality of diminishing green spaces due to poorly planned urban expansion.
Instead of mass felling, experts suggest implementing sustainable alternatives such as elevated roads, tree transplantation, or rerouting road alignments to minimise ecological damage. Large-scale afforestation and urban greening initiatives must be actively pursued to compensate for lost green cover. “Rampant tree cutting has already led to significant temperature increases in Pune. The heat is unbearable, and we are seeing its effects daily,” said activist Ameet Singh, urging authorities to adopt a more environmentally responsible approach.
Civic accountability and citizen participation in urban projects
Amid mounting public pressure, PMC officials assured protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the road department for review. However, activists remain sceptical, citing past instances where tree-felling projects proceeded despite strong public objections. “Once the road department receives no formal rejection within a certain timeframe, the project gets automatic approval. This loophole must be closed,” said Ghorpade.
Citizen groups are now demanding greater transparency and public involvement in major infrastructure projects. Without accountability, they argue, the city’s urban planning decisions will continue to compromise ecological integrity. Sustainable urbanisation requires a participatory approach where environmental concerns are given as much weight as developmental goals. As Pune grapples with its identity as a growing metropolitan hub, the debate over its green future is far from over.
