ChaloChipko Rally Organized by Concerned Citizens to Save Trees on Ganeshkhind Road in Pune
Pune, 3rd December 2023: Civic activist Hema Chari shed light on what seems to be a disregard for established guidelines by PMC’s road authorities. It was highlighted that the PMC’s road authorities have allegedly violated regulations set by the Indian Road Congress, PMC’s Urban Street Design Guidelines, and the Unified Development Control and Planning Regulations notified by the Maharashtra state for town planning.
Prominent citizen Ameet Singh specifically pointed out the potential creation of three bottlenecks along the 3.2 km stretch from University Chowk to Shivajinagar Chowk, rendering the 6-lane road widening project futile. Singh emphasized that metro pillars obstruct the road, reducing its width to 36 meters instead of the designated 46 meters outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Ganeshkhind Road.
The ChaloChipko rally aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact and potential traffic disruptions resulting from the deviation from established guidelines. Ameet Singh underscored the mismanagement of the Pune metro project since 2016, leading to widespread traffic congestion wherever the metro is deployed.
Singh expressed concerns about the proposed road widening at Ganeshkhind Road, predicting massive traffic jams due to three bottlenecks. Estimates suggest a doubling of cars from 4230 to approximately 8500 along this corridor, resulting in an environmental hazard with an estimated 300 tons of emissions per day. Over 97 trees have already been felled by PMC, PMRDA, and metro authorities without citizen feedback, prompting citizens to seek legal relief.
During today’s rally, Ameet Singh and Hema Chari explained the impending doom for trees from Hardikar Hospital to Reliance Centro Mall, illustrating the destruction that has already occurred until University Circle. Citizens expressed their dismay and recognized the futility of this endeavor.
Citizens were informed that an uneasy compromise during the recent hearing proposed giving up one lane on either side to save footpaths, cycle tracks, and multi-utility zones, preserving most of the trees.
However, PMC officials are yet to respond. Activist Rekha Joshi informed that a physical site validation by PMC, PMRDA, Metro officials, along with concerned citizens, is scheduled for this week.
Citizens call for a thorough re-evaluation of proposed plans, urging the preservation of Pune’s green cover and strict adherence to regulatory norms.
