Builders need to protect trees in construction plans: PMC

Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Garden Department recently has taken a concrete step towards environmental conservation. It has issued numerous builder associations that it is essential for them to preserve trees during their construction projects. In recent years, a huge number of trees have been cut for projects like the Ganeshkhind Road flyover and the riverfront development. Activists are furious; they say that felling trees has contributed to the city’s temperature increase. This year, April Pune’s temperature is recorded above 40°C in April.

PMC’s Chief Garden Superintendent, Ashok Ghorpade, sent the letter to the Builders Association of India, Credai Pune, Maratha Builders Association, Maratha Chambers of Commerce, and the Architects Association of Pune. The letter clearly states that developers must provide an alternative design for any project involving the cutting or transplanting of trees before they are granted a provisional NOC.

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Environmental groups, including Pune Samwad, met with PMC officials earlier this month, pushing for stricter implementation of the 1975 Tree Act. Activist Ameet Singh expressed satisfaction that trees are finally being made “stakeholders” in real estate planning.

Ghorpade’s letter emphasizes that developers must comply or risk being reported directly to the Pune Commissioner. He acknowledged the many factors affecting rising temperatures but noted the critical role trees play in cooling the city.

With this initiative, the trees and garden of Pune are expected to be preserved, which is essential for a green environment. Currently, pollution-related diseases are increasing in big cities due to the cutting down of trees. This is a positive step by the civic body of Pune; it will raise awareness among people and boost the tree conservation practices, especially in urban areas.