PMC empowers citizens to save trees

To prevent the occurance of such incidents, the PMC has decided to upload proposals tabled before the Tree Authority to cut trees in the city on its official website — www.egovpmc.com.

The authority formulates norms for the conservation of greenery and decides on proposals forwarded by the civic garden department to fell trees, plant new ones or replant trees that are felled. However, many a times the details in the docket contradict the action taken at the site. Alleged activist Vinod Jain: ‘‘The number of trees to be felled mentioned in the docket is very less. While on site, the trees are cut without referring to the docket.’’But with the information in the website, not any more.

‘‘People would call and tell us that a tree was Being cut in their area, but on contacting the PMC, we would be told that the tree authority had given permission to cut the tree,’’ said Tasneem Balasinorwala of the non-governmental organisation Pune Tree Watch, alleging that several times, trees not meant to be cut were also felled. She added that it was thus necessary that people be aware of the trees being cut.

Until now, information on trees to be cut was given through public notices in newspapers and Balasinorwala said dockets on the Internet would help increase awareness among people and allow them to be involved in the protection of trees in the city.

Chief Garden Superintendent Yashwant Khaire said that the dockets would help in people’s participation. ‘‘People can file their objections within seven days of the docket being uploaded. After hearing the objections, a final decision would be taken.’’ He also added that this move would bring in more transparency in the process.

‘‘The dockets were not available to the public earlier but now, people can study the docket and visit the site of the proposed tree-felling. This way, they can find out if the trees really needs to be cut,’’ said Balsinorwala. ‘‘On an average, 700-1,000 trees are cut every month. Few of these can be saved if citizens act promptly,’’ she added.

Like at the International Convention Centre off Senapati Bapat Road where volunteers had helped 25 trees from the axe.

‘‘The docket mentioned 25 trees needed to be cut, but when we visited the site, we found that trees could be saved,’’ said Balsinorwala. After discussing the issue with architect and the civic officials, the design of the proposed structure was changed and the trees were saved.