Pune's Green Lungs Ablaze: Fires Rage Amidst Development Tussles

Pune is witnessing a concerning loss of green cover due to infrastructure and redevelopment projects, often met with citizen resistance. In the past few months, an unusual increase in forest fires has been reported from disputed locations like the Ramnadi-Mula river confluence and Vetal Tekdi. Activists suspect these fires may be premeditated to clear land, thereby weakening protests against development.

These fires have significantly impacted the local ecosystem, destroying host plants for butterflies and affecting insect populations. Volunteers have resorted to manual watering to save struggling plants. Environmentalists highlight that the forest department suffers from a severe budget deficit, leading to inadequate equipment and manpower for firefighting.

Areas like Vetal Tekdi and Baner Hills have been particularly affected. Residents around Baner-Pashan hills have endured weeks of fires, suspecting deliberate ignition for fresh grass or to burn garbage. Officials acknowledge that all forest fires are man-made and admit to critical staff shortages within the forest department, further complicating prevention and response efforts.