Pune, 7th April 2026: The ambitious plan announced by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure to plant 50 lakh trees across the city has drawn criticism, with environmental expert Ravindra Sinha questioning its practicality.
Sinha said that planting such a large number of trees would require nearly 5,000 hectares of land, which is currently unavailable in Pune. He urged the civic administration to clearly explain where the plantation will take place and how the plan will be executed.
The issue was discussed at a seminar organized by Sajag Nagrik Manch at IMDR College, where experts examined the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975.
The discussion focused on increasing tree cutting in the city, lack of proper planning, and gaps in implementing environmental laws.
Sinha also highlighted that in recent projects like river improvement works, mandatory permissions from the Water Resources Department and Forest Department were not taken. He added that biodiversity and wetland committees were also not consulted before tree cutting.
He further pointed out that even a month after the Pune Municipal Corporation’s first standing committee meeting, the Tree Authority Committee has still not been formed.
“Planting 50 lakh trees will require about 5,000 hectares of land, which Pune does not have. The administration must clarify where these trees will be planted,” said Ravindra Sinha.
He also reminded citizens that cutting or trimming trees without written permission from the Tree Authority Committee is a criminal offence, and violations should be reported to the police by calling 112.
