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Centuries-Old Mango Tree Faces Threat from Pune Sewage Plant
6 Aug
Summary
- 223-year-old Peshwa-era mango tree in Ganeshkhind Garden
- 610 germplasms of 39 crops and 165 wild plant species in the BHS
- Pune Municipal Corporation seeks to exclude 30 gunthas from the BHS to build a sewage treatment plant
In the heart of Pune's bustling Aundh Road lies a little-known ecological treasure trove - the Ganeshkhind Garden Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This 223-year-old site, dating back to the Peshwa era, is home to a remarkable 223-year-old mango tree and a wealth of biodiversity, including 610 germplasms of 39 crops and 165 wild plant species.
Despite being declared a heritage site in August 2020, the Ganeshkhind Garden now faces a significant threat. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sought to exclude 30 gunthas (approximately 0.75 acres) from the BHS to build a sewage treatment plant (STP). This move has sparked outrage among concerned citizens, who argue that the construction would severely damage the site's delicate ecosystem.
Petitioners have approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to challenge the PMC's plans, citing the need to preserve the BHS's biodiversity and heritage value. The NGT has allowed the petitioners to amend their original plea to fight against the notification that would denotify part of the site for the STP construction.
As the legal battle continues, the future of this ecological marvel hangs in the balance, pitting the city's development needs against the preservation of its natural and historical legacy.
