Pune, 26th September 2026: The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India has opposed the state government’s decision to transfer around 2.5 acres of land from Empress Botanical Garden for judicial construction.
The society, which has managed the historic garden since 1892, said the proposed development could affect mature trees, biodiversity and one of Pune’s important green spaces. It has also announced plans to create public awareness against the decision.
According to the society, a government decision has been issued to transfer around 2.5 acres of the garden for judicial use. The land is expected to be handed over for construction related to court infrastructure.
Society president Prataprao Pawar and honorary secretary Suresh Pingle raised their objections during a press conference on Thursday. They said the need for judicial infrastructure should be addressed without compromising important green spaces.
“Empress Garden is not merely a piece of land but an important part of Pune’s historical and environmental heritage. For the past 134 years, our organisation has preserved rare trees and biodiversity here. Green spaces should not be sacrificed for development projects,” Pawar said.
He urged the government to reconsider the decision after assessing its environmental impact and taking public concerns into account. Pawar added that the society would launch a public awareness campaign if the decision was not reviewed.
Located in the Ghorpadi area, Empress Botanical Garden covers around 40 acres and is home to several native and exotic tree species.
The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India has managed the garden since 1892. Pawar said the organisation has maintained the garden without financial assistance from the government, relying on its own resources and public participation.
The society said extensive tree plantation has been carried out on the proposed 2.5-acre site with the aim of developing it as a biodiversity area.
It fears that construction could affect several fully grown trees and disturb the garden’s natural ecosystem. The organisation said the green belt is particularly important because of its location in the middle of Pune.
Pingle said the society has repeatedly submitted representations to the government and held protests against proposals involving the garden’s land.
“We have repeatedly submitted representations to the government and held protests against the transfer of this land. Our objections need to be considered seriously. Since 1892, the society has preserved this historic garden without financial assistance from the government,” Pingle said.
“Instead of allowing construction on this heritage site, the government should consider an alternative location for judicial infrastructure,” he added.
The society said it is not opposed to the development of judicial infrastructure but wants the government to protect Empress Garden’s green cover, mature trees and biodiversity while considering an alternative site for the project.
