6th Feb 2007 ENVIRONMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS URGE THE PUNE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION TO NOMINATE EXPERTS TO THE PUNE TREE AUTHORITY IN A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE WAY Led by Pune Tree Watch, many environment groups and civil society groups have written to the Pune Municipal Commissioner (see annexure i) urging that the nomination process of the Pune Tree Authority (PTA) be done in a transparent and accountable manner. They have also recommended the names of various individuals and environment organizational representatives who have expertise in the area of urban environment. After the newly elected general body of PMC is constituted, it elects 15 members for the Pune Tree Authority. The PTA is constituted under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 for the protection and preservation of trees within the PMC limits. PTA is a committee with an important mandate of protecting the trees and biodiversity of the city. It is paramount that this task is carried out by experts in various areas and sensitive citizens who will implement it with zeal, commitment and in a holistic manner. The groups believe that this body needs a balanced representation of elected corporators and experts to guide them through this process (see annexure ii – Criteria for the Pune Tree Authority). The groups urge that an evaluation be conducted wherein the experience and knowledge of the candidates are tested and verified. This will enable transparency and accountability in the above procedure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL UPDATE The group has successfully followed up on this issue since february'07. With many letters and reminders to the new commissioner, Mr Pardeshi who has strongly supported us and brought (nominated) three people on the board of the Pune Tree Authority recommended by us. These are a) Ketaki Ghatne b) Ajay Vaishampayan c) Tasneem Balasinorwala The nominations have been clouded in high political drama as well but we will not get into that detail. For more information you can write to just.tasneem@gmail.com