The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking proactive measures to counterbalance the loss of green cover. The civic body has formally requested the forest department for approximately 150 hectares of land to facilitate the planting of new trees and the transplantation of existing ones. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental impact of infrastructure projects and building constructions that have necessitated tree cutting across the city.
According to an official from the PMC, the Pune Tree Authority (PTA) operates under the Maharashtra Tree Protection Act, ensuring that the city’s green cover is preserved despite ongoing development. The official elaborated, “The PMC has sought 100 to 150 hectares of forest land from the forest department. This land will be designated for applicants who require permissions to uproot or transplant trees for infrastructure development. These applicants are mandated to compensate for the loss by planting trees in other designated areas.”
This approach not only seeks to replace the lost green cover but also aligns with the growing demands from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and real estate developers. Several NGOs have approached the PMC, requesting vacant land to facilitate tree plantations and conservation efforts. The official highlighted that, according to the 2011 census, Pune’s population density stands at 2,600 persons per square kilometre, creating a shortage of available land for tree plantations within the city limits. Civic activists, however, have expressed concerns about the PMC’s involvement in identifying vacant land for private entities. One activist commented, “It is not the PMC’s duty to find land for applicants who need to plant trees as a compensatory measure for cutting existing ones. The civic body should focus on evaluating proposals that include specific locations for compensatory plantations.” The activist also criticised the lack of a monitoring system to ensure that compensatory plantations are carried out and maintained.
The PMC official acknowledged the challenges posed by the city’s geography, noting that the existing tree cover on forest department land is insufficient to meet the needs. There is approximately 151 hectares of forest land across 15 locations in the city that could potentially be used for planting trees. The PMC is hopeful that the forest department will grant the necessary permissions to acquire this land, allowing for the creation of new green spaces. This request from the PMC underscores the urgent need to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability. As Pune continues to expand, the city’s administration faces the dual challenge of accommodating infrastructure demands while preserving its natural environment. The proposed acquisition of forest land for tree plantations is a step towards ensuring that Pune remains a green and liveable city for its residents. The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and private stakeholders to safeguard and enhance the city’s green cover.
