Pune Activists Lead Chipko March Against Tree Cutting
The city of Pune is witnessing an upsurge in environmental activism as citizens rally against the indiscriminate cutting of trees for urban projects. Activist groups Jeevitnadi and Pune River Revival are set to stage a Chipko March on 9th February 2025, to protest tree felling under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) River Rejuvenation Project. The march, beginning at Kalmadi High School in Baner and concluding at the Ram-Mula Confluence, underscores growing concerns about the ecological damage inflicted by large-scale urban development.
Environmentalists argue that while urban growth is essential, it must not come at the cost of the city’s green cover. Activists claim that projects such as the Ganeshkhind Road widening and flyover construction have led to significant tree loss, weakening Pune’s ecological balance. According to official data, the PMC recently cut down 192 trees along Ganeshkhind Road, sparking public outrage. This decision, made without addressing public objections, prompted a Bombay High Court stay and highlighted the need for accountability in urban planning.
From a sustainability standpoint, the PMC’s compensatory measures, including planting 5,015 GPS-tagged trees across six locations and replanting 175 trees along Ganeshkhind Road, have faced mixed reactions. While these efforts reflect a move towards transparency, activists argue that replanting young saplings cannot substitute the environmental and aesthetic value of fully grown heritage trees. This dilemma points to the larger challenge of balancing development with sustainability in fast-growing cities like Pune.
The Chipko March reflects a broader civic issue of ensuring citizen participation in urban planning. Pune’s green cover, vital for combating pollution and maintaining urban biodiversity, is a shared asset that requires careful stewardship. Activists are urging the PMC to adopt a more inclusive and long-term approach, emphasising sustainable alternatives to large-scale tree cutting. The march is not just a protest but a call for a collaborative vision where development and ecology coexist harmoniously.
