Pune, 6th June 2026: Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Dr. Neelam Gorhe has intervened into the matter of the proposed widening of Ganeshkhind Road, which expected to cut down 529 trees for the project. She urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to consider alternatives that would avoid tree felling.
The road-widening project covers the stretch between the Reserve Bank Institute and Sancheti Chowk. PMC plans to widen the road to 45 meters and had placed the proposal before the Tree Authority on March 1.
A public notice inviting objections to the proposal was issued on April 2. Following the notice, a large number of citizens submitted objections, expressing concern over the environmental impact of cutting hundreds of trees along the busy road.
Environmental groups have argued that removing trees alone will not solve traffic congestion in the area. They say that the pillars of Metro Line 3 have already reduced the available road width at several locations, limiting the benefits of further widening.
Organizations including Parisar have suggested an alternative road design that makes use of the existing space. According to them, the plan can accommodate cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways while preserving all the trees along the stretch.
Dr. Gorhe has asked PMC to temporarily halt the current proposal and examine the alternative design in detail. She has also directed municipal authorities to organize a joint meeting within the next eight days to discuss the issue.
The proposed meeting will include city engineers, traffic police officials, representatives of environmental organizations, and members of the Model Colony Environment Committee.
Dr. Gorhe said that a final decision should be taken only after experts conduct an on-site assessment and determine whether the road project can be implemented without cutting any trees.