Pune, 28th September 2026: More than 480 trees are at risk of being cut down for a proposed 20-metre-wide road in Kothrud under the Development Plan (DP), triggering protests by local residents and environmentalists. Residents gathered at Siddharth Towers to oppose the proposed tree felling and warned of approaching the court if necessary to protect the trees.
The proposed road will pass through government land at Survey Nos. 12/2 and 12/5, behind Mrityunjayeshwar Temple. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) began cutting trees at the site last week but temporarily halted the work following strong opposition from residents. Locals have since issued a legal notice to the civic body and sought information about the project under the RTI Act.
Residents have raised concerns that the proposed road could obstruct the natural flow of a stream and increase the risk of flooding during the monsoon. They have also questioned the effectiveness of the PMC's tree transplantation efforts, citing concerns about the survival of transplanted trees.
According to residents, the government land is proposed to be leased to a private party for 20 years to operate the road. They are planning a legal campaign to stop the tree felling and are considering approaching the court.
Local corporators Manjushree Khardekar and Mitali Sawalekar met the protesters and heard their concerns. After contacting the PMC's road department, they were informed that stopping the project might not be possible. However, the representatives assured residents that they would explore changes to the road alignment to save as many trees as possible.
Environmental researcher Sarang Yadwadkar said the proposed road could affect the natural stream and that residents could challenge the project in court.
"The proposed road passes over a natural stream, and residents can approach the court against it. Only a united community and a strong public pressure group can compel the administration to take public concerns seriously and reconsider its decision," Yadwadkar said.