Solar energy usage in Pune has more than doubled in a year, reaching over 1.66 lakh kilowatts in 2024–25.
Tree count in the city has increased by 2 lakh, even as the municipal limits shrank.
Biodiversity is improving, with a rise in bird sightings at major hill areas like Vetal Tekdi and Pashan.
Pune, 30 July 2025: Pune’s focus on sustainable development is showing promising results, with the latest Environmental Status Report by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) revealing a twofold increase in solar energy use and a notable rise in green cover and biodiversity.
According to the 2024–25 report, the city generated and used 1.66 lakh kilowatts of solar energy over the year, a sharp jump from the 79,618 kilowatts recorded in 2023–24. An additional 50,097 kilowatts of solar panel capacity was installed during the year. Of the total solar energy used, around 61% was for residential purposes. This growth is attributed to government subsidies and increased public awareness of clean energy.
The report was presented during a special General Body meeting on July 29 by Deputy Commissioner Santosh Warule. It is part of the ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ initiative and is based on the five natural elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sky.
The presentation was attended by PMC Commissioner and Administrator Nawal Kishore Ram, Additional Commissioners Prithviraj B.P. and Omprakash Divate, Chief Engineer Prashant Waghmare, Chief Accountant Ulka Kalskar, and other senior officials.
The report also showed a significant increase in Pune’s green cover. While two villages, Uruli Devachi and Fursungi, were excluded from PMC’s limits this year, reducing the city's geographical area from 519 to 480 sq. km, the number of trees still grew from 55.81 lakh to 57.81 lakh. Additionally, the number of public gardens rose from 211 to 224 in the same period.
Public involvement in conserving Pune’s hills has also led to better biodiversity. Citizens have actively worked to prevent tree felling and encroachments, particularly in areas like Vetal Tekdi, Kavadipath, and Pashan.
As a result, bird counts in these locations have improved compared to the previous year. Vetal Tekdi recorded 275 birds (up from 253), Kavadipath 264 (up from 263), and Pashan 240 (up from 236).
The PMC’s report suggests that these positive developments reflect growing environmental awareness among Pune residents and continued efforts by the civic body to make the city greener and more sustainable.
