Pune: Maha Metro’s Pimpri-Nigdi Route Development Sparks Controversy Over Tree Removal
Pimpri Chinchwad, 2nd August 2024: The extended route from Pimpri to Nigdi is being developed by Maha Metro, which involves the removal of 57 trees that obstruct the work. This has caused displeasure among environmentalists. A 4.41 km metro line will be constructed on this route, and the work has already begun. Fifteen-year-old trees are being cut down as they obstruct the project. The viaduct work is being undertaken by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). A pillar is being erected near the Sahityaratna Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe Bus Terminal in Nigdi, where trees are being cut down. Tree cutting has also started on the footpath near Shree Krishna Mandir by the Bhakti Shakti Flyover in Nigdi, where nine trees have already been felled.
As the trees on the footpath from Nigdi to Pimpri were being cut down, environmentalists expressed their displeasure and protested against the felling of trees. A complaint has been lodged with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) regarding this matter. The trees to be cut down include 18 Tabebuia, 18 Peltophorum, 9 Cassia fistula, 1 Neem, 1 Banyan, 2 Ashoka, 5 Sacred fig, and others. Fifty of these trees belong to PCMC, and seven are owned by the Shree Krishna Mandir Trust. The removal of trees obstructing the metro path has been approved by PCMC.
Dr. Hemant Sonawane, director of Maha Metro, stated that ten trees will be planted for every tree cut down and surviving trees will be replanted. Maha Metro had applied to PCMC for permission to remove the obstructing trees, which was granted accordingly. The replanting of living trees and the planting of ten new trees for each tree cut will take place at the sewage treatment plant in Kasarwadi. Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department, Ravikiran Ghodke, mentioned that these trees must be maintained for three years.
While PCMC is planting trees, Maha Metro is cutting them down. The contractor of the metro line is not directly responsible for the tree felling; it is being done by a sub-contractor appointed by them. Social activist Avinash Waghmare has demanded that a criminal case be registered against the concerned contractors.
