Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to move forward with the Balbharti-Paud Phata Road project and will seek Forest Department approval before commencing construction. The proposal for the necessary permissions will soon be submitted, as confirmed by PMC officials.
The project, which aims to construct a road through Vetal Tekdi, had been stalled for over one and a half years due to objections from environmentalists. Additionally, the Nagarik Chetna Manch had filed a petition in the High Court opposing the project. However, the court has now dismissed the petition, clearing the way for PMC to proceed.
Legal Compliance and Environmental Considerations
The Balbharti-Paud Phata Road was included in PMC's development plan, and authorities had followed due legal procedures, including:
Inviting public objections and suggestions
Conducting an environmental impact assessment
The High Court ruled in favor of the project but instructed PMC to obtain necessary approvals from the Environment and Forest Departments if required.
Following this, PMC consulted environmental experts, who confirmed that Environment Department approval was not needed. However, the Forest Department’s permission must be reacquired, even though prior approval had been obtained.
PMC to Submit Proposal for Forest Clearance
Speaking on the matter, Aniruddha Pawaskar, Head of PMC's Road Department, stated:
"The Environment Department has already issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Balbharti-Paud Phata Road. The PMC will now seek necessary approval from the Forest Department and submit a proposal for the same."
Budget Allocation for the Project
The estimated cost of the Balbharti-Paud Phata Road project is ₹252 crore. However, only ₹3 crore has been allocated in PMC’s 2025-26 budget.
