Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to immediately cease all construction activities related to the proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata Road in Pune.
The directive stems from concerns that the 2.1-kilometre road alignment traverses areas classified as “deemed forest,” notably the ecologically sensitive Vetal Hill region. The CEC’s intervention follows a letter dated May 16, 2025, emphasizing adherence to the Supreme Court’s judgment in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case (1996) and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023. The committee underscored that initiating construction within these protected zones would constitute a violation of existing court directives.
Environmental activists and citizen groups have long opposed the road project, arguing that it threatens Pune’s diminishing green spaces and the biodiversity of Vetal Tekdi. The hill, standing at 800 meters, is home to over 240 bird species and numerous endemic plants, serving as a vital ecological asset for the city. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has advocated for the road, citing the need to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. However, the CEC’s assessment concluded that the proposed road would not effectively resolve traffic issues and might exacerbate congestion due to induced demand.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the CEC’s final report on the matter, and no formal clearance has been granted for the project. Environmentalists view the CEC’s directive as a crucial step toward preserving Pune’s natural heritage and preventing irreversible ecological damage.
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