Forest Dept Halts Pune Road Through Urban Oasis

The Pune forest department has refused permission to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for constructing a development plan (DP) road through the Anandvan-6 urban forest in Mohammadwadi. This proposed road was intended to alleviate traffic congestion in the NIBM Road-Undri area. Residents had previously voiced significant opposition, citing potential environmental damage and safety concerns.

Ashish Thakare, Pune's chief conservator of forest, confirmed that his department has not granted any permission, noting that a prior directive from his predecessor had already requested the cancellation of the proposed DP road. The urban forest, nurtured over decades, supports a rich ecosystem with over 20 bird species.

Rajesh Bankar, head of PMC's road department, acknowledged that the matter had reached the Supreme Court, which ruled against any construction on forest land. An earlier PMC proposal for a DP road through Clover Pinnacle was also opposed by residents due to safety hazards on a particularly dangerous stretch of road.

While acknowledging the severe traffic congestion, residents stressed the need for solutions that do not compromise public safety or environmental assets. They urge PMC to find an alternative route that addresses traffic burdens without sacrificing lives or the environment, highlighting that years of unplanned growth have led to the current crisis. The challenge for PMC is to find a third viable route.