Pune, 12th June 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale has voiced strong opposition to the removal of centuries-old trees amid growing concerns over tree felling for infrastructure and development projects.
Speaking after the Standing Committee approved ₹1.5 crore for tree plantation activities across 15 regional offices of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Bhimale said that while development projects are necessary, preserving old trees should remain a priority.
Large-scale tree cutting has been taking place across the city for projects such as road widening, riverfront development, and other civic works. The issue has triggered protests from citizens and environmental groups in recent months.
Commenting on the matter, Bhimale said development should not come at the cost of 100- to 200-year-old trees. He suggested that project designs should be modified wherever possible to protect such trees rather than cutting them down.
He added that these mature trees hold significant environmental and emotional value for residents and should be preserved for future generations. According to him, some spaces may need to be left untouched so that Pune can retain its oldest and most valuable green assets.
The remarks come at a time when questions are also being raised about the monitoring of compensatory plantations undertaken after tree felling in the city. Citizens have expressed concerns over the transparency and tracking of such plantation efforts.
