Home / Environment / Pune Trees Fall: Experts Blame Urban Projects
Pune Trees Fall: Experts Blame Urban Projects
6 Apr
Summary
- Urban projects like excavation and concretisation weaken city trees.
- Fast-growing exotic species are more prone to uprooting during storms.
- Pune recorded 2,151 tree fall incidents between 2014 and 2025.
Tragic incidents in Pune, including the recent death of a flower vendor due to a tree uprooting during heavy rain, highlight a growing concern over the city's tree stability. Experts point to urban development practices, such as excavation for infrastructure and widespread concretisation around tree bases, as primary causes for weakened trees. These activities damage root systems, hinder natural water percolation, and compromise structural integrity.
Concerns are also raised about unscientific pruning and the use of non-native, fast-growing tree species. These exotic trees, while quickly increasing green cover, are ill-suited to the local ecosystem and more susceptible to collapse in adverse weather. Data reveals a significant number of tree fall incidents, with over 2,151 cases reported between 2014 and 2025.
In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a citywide survey and pruning drive. Teams are identifying and addressing hazardous trees, removing dead ones, and pruning those with excessive canopies. Efforts are underway to secure leaning trees and mitigate risks, particularly during the ongoing unseasonal rains and the upcoming monsoon season.
