Activists oppose PCMC's plan to cut trees for riverfront development project
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) stated in a notice in newspapers on Thursday that people could send their suggestions and objections to the proposal within seven days, after which a hearing would be organised on August 4.
Explaining their objections, Prajakta Mahajan, a member of the Pune River Revival (PRR), a citizens' movement focused on rejuvenating Pune's rivers, said the affected area was rich in biodiversity and was like a natural sanctuary within the city.
Mahajan said, "The area near the river between Wakad and Sangvi is ecologically sensitive, with diverse flora and fauna, including birds, reptiles, butterflies and essential insects.
The PCMC talked about transplanting about 2,800 trees. But data showed that transplantation is ineffective, with a survival rate of only around 40% if done correctly. If the new location is not near a water body, it is unsuitable for riparian (water-loving) species, which will die.
Unfortunately, transplantation appears to be a superficial solution offered by the authorities, mainly to obtain project clearance."
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Mahesh Gargote, the head of the garden department of the PCMC, said they found that about 8,000 trees would fall under the project's scope. He stressed that the riverfront development (RFD project had been designed in such a way that 4,000 to 5,000 trees would be retained.
"Among the 1,009 trees that will be cut, more than 90% are invasive trees. Second, we will transplant 2,800 trees. These will be relocated to the land next to the river in the Aundh defence area, so riparian trees can survive.
We have given seven days to anyone who may have objections to the proposal to submit them. After receiving the objections, we have allocated a few days to review and understand them to ensure that the hearings are conducted in a better manner.
"
Angad Patwardhan, another member of the PRR, said the RFD project would impact not just the trees but also the diverse life forms they support, which cannot be transplanted. "The process will destroy the entire ecosystem, not just trees. Birds' nests, shrubs, reptiles, butterflies, insects and other life forms cannot be relocated, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. We hope to see high participation from people, both in sending objections and in the hearing," said Patwardhan.
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