Pune: In a span of just 15 days, over one hectare of forest in the Smritivan area, managed by the Pune Forest Department in Warje, has been destroyed due to recurring fires.

On Monday, yet another fire engulfed nearly half a hectare of protected forest land, adding to the extensive damage.

The Smritivan forest, once recognized as a national model for urban greenery, has suffered significant losses allegedly due to man-made fires. The forest department confirmed that the fires are linked to human activities and has filed a case against suspected offenders.

According to officials, slum dwellers near the forest have been encroaching on the forested area. Recent action by the forest department against these encroachments has allegedly led to retaliatory acts of arson. A person from Kothrud has been detained in connection with the recent incident.

Officials also highlighted that some slum residents enter the forest unlawfully, often for alcohol-fueled gatherings.

These activities have aggravated the destruction, with the latest fire alone causing the loss of approximately 15,000 trees, including 5,000 planted as part of afforestation drives in the last three years.

Efforts for Containment and Restoration

The forest department’s team acted swiftly to control Monday’s fire. However, trees up to four feet in height were severely damaged. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Deepak Pawar, stated that the department is working on measures to prevent further destruction.

To enhance security, the department plans to raise the height of the existing six-foot boundary wall to 10-11 feet. A meeting with the Pune Municipal Corporation is scheduled this week, during which the department will request ₹80 lakh for the project and propose appointing four dedicated personnel to protect the forest.

A History of Conservation

Smritivan was declared a model urban forest in June 2020 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Despite efforts to protect it, including the construction of a boundary wall, recent fires have posed a severe threat to its greenery.

The Nisarg Seva Sanstha, an organization involved in afforestation and conservation in the area, has expressed deep concern over the destruction caused by these fires.