Pune Municipal Corporation has warned residents that cutting, burning or damaging trees during Dussehra without permission could attract a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh under Maharashtra’s tree-preservation law.
The civic body issued the appeal ahead of the festival, asking citizens not to cut mango, apta, kanchan or shami trees for collecting leaves traditionally used during celebrations. PMC said residents should use symbolic alternatives wherever possible so that festival practices do not harm living trees.
“On the occasion of Dussehra, all the citizens are being appealed not to cut down mango, apta, kanchan or shami or harm any other trees. It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect trees while following the tradition,” Ashok Ghorpade, in-charge of PMC’s civic garden department, said in the appeal.
The warning covers both the removal of entire trees and damage to branches. PMC said residents should report anyone found cutting trees, cutting branches or otherwise damaging trees without a permit to the concerned regional office.
Complaints and suggestions can be submitted through the PMC Care number, 9146383383, the toll-free number 18001030222, the WhatsApp complaint number 9689900002, the chatbot number 8888251001 or the civic body’s online complaint portal at www.complaints.pmc.gov.in.
Tree protection within Pune’s municipal limits is governed by the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, along with the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Preservation and Conservation Rules, 2009, and an order issued on September 20, 2013. The Tree Authority carries out its work under this legal framework.
The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Act, 2021, makes it an offence to burn, cut down or otherwise harm trees without permission. According to the civic department’s warning, the penalty is linked to the value of the tree removed through the prohibited act and can be as high as Rs 1 lakh.
The PMC appeal places responsibility on both the civic administration and residents to prevent festival-related damage to the city’s tree cover. It also asks citizens to follow the tradition using alternatives that do not involve cutting or harming trees.
