PUNE: Citizen groups have submitted applications to the PMC to  include 40 sites in the category of natural heritage sites including Salim Ali bird sanctuary. 

Yukta Mookhey, former Miss World has also sent an application to the PMC Heritage Cell regarding this cause.  

In November last year, the PMC appealed to citizens to submit entries for the list of heritage places which it identifies and publishes on its website. The PMC published a list of 251 sites, buildings and natural sites and divided them into grades 1, 2 and 3.  The PMC gave a period of 30 days for suggestions and objections. 

The PMC’s Heritage Cell, which has the municipal commissioner, civic officials and experts as its members, will take the final decision on the sites. However, no meeting has been held on the issue so far. The PMC is referring to the 2002 list finalised  by the State Urban Town Planning Department. 

The sites suggested for natural heritage category list include Salim Ali bird sanctuary,  live springs originating from Ramnadi near Bavdhan, Mutha river, Mula river and Ramnadi river, Vitthalwadi Mandir riverbed, live springs at Parvati, trees located in Koregaon Park, trees at Agharkar Research Institute, Botanical Garden, SPPU, Law College, Garware College, Open Jail, Yerwada Mental Hospital, Shanipar and Agriculture College.