To,                                                                                           6^th  Feb ’07

Dr Nitin Kareer,                                   

The Municipal Commissioner,

P.M.C

Subject: Selection  of the experts as  nominated members for the next Pune Tree Authority 2007.

Dear Mr  Nitin Kareer,

With the newly elected general body of the PMC this year, Feb’07, the next Tree Authority will also be elected.  The Pune Tree Authority (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. It consists of 30 members, of which  15 are elected from the general body of the assembly while the remaining, also called nominated members (15 or less), get nominated by these first 15 members.  

The current PTA has no expert or recognized environmental NGO or civil society representative on it with the exception of Mr Hasmukh Shah. Based on our experience and interaction with various members and having studied their involvement, we understand that the current process of selection and working of the 15 nominated members needs to be addressed (see Annexure i – Indian Express Article).  For example, of the nominated members of the current PTA –six belong to one organisation, while two belong to an organization that prima facie does not work in the field of environment (see Annexure ii - RTI). The lack of environmental expertise and commitment is reflected in the apathy of the committee and the consequent loss of green cover and its biodiversity.

We sincerely believe that this body needs a balanced representation of elected corporators and experts to guide them through this process (see Annexure iii – Criteria for the Pune Tree Authority). Given our sustained involvement since July 2005, we feel that PTA should consist of members who have experience in areas that directly link to trees such as: town planners, architects, botanists and other biologists, activists, lawyers, traffic and transport experts, environmentalists etc.   Such diversity is essential so that a healthy interplay between development activities and environment is achieved. Using this approach, and after considerable deliberation with most groups working in the field of the city’s environment and civil society, we have compiled a list of citizens or organization who are eminently suitable for this committee (See the table below). For your benefit we have also collated the profile of the individuals and organizations (See Annexure iv)

PTA is an important committee under the jurisdiction of Maharashtra state government and has an important mandate of protecting the trees and biodiversity of the city. It is paramount that this task be carried about by experts in various areas and sensitive citizens who will implement it with zeal and commitment.

We strongly urge that in case of conflict where the nomination is concerned, 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.

Thanking You

Yours Sincerely

Anchal Sondhi

(on behalf of):

Names of signatories, organizations                                                             

Feroza Saran , Hon. Sect., National Society of Friends of the Trees, Pune

Anuj Khare, Nature Walks

Maj. Gen. S. C. N. Jatar, Retd, Nagrik Chetna Manch

Danita Daniel, WWF Pune

SRUSHTI foundation

Dr Erach Bharucha, BVIEER

Sujit Patwardhan, Parisar

Mrs Pande, ELA Foundation

Saili Palande, Tekdi

Satish Khot, President, National Society of Clean Cities

Homi Bhatena, S.A.P (Social Awareness Promotions)

Medha Joshi, Secretary, Nisarga Sevak

Gautam Idnani,  Residents Forum ( Mohalla Committee, Dhole Patil Ward office )

Neeraj Jain, Save Pune Forum

Lt Col K.K Sawhney, Citizens’ Forum, Ganeshbaug, Mundhwa

Mr Prakash Gole, Ecological Society

Sujatha Updhyay, ICS colony, Bhosalenagar Mohalla Committee

Richa Mittal, NIBM Mohalla Committee

Samir Dhume, member, Pune Tree Watch

Manasi Karandikar, Oikos For Ecological Services

Shantha Bhushan, Kalpavriksh

Laxmi Narayan, Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat

Suresh Pingale, Hon. Sect., Agri-Horticulture Society of Western India Trust

Kiran Purandare, Nisargvedh

P.M. Khursgude, Sect., Association of Senior Citizens and Elders together

Lt Col K.K Sawhney, Founder member, Citizens Forum, B.T Kawade Rd

Roda Mehta,  Rotary Club of Poona Downtown

Gita Vir, Founder member, National Society of Clean Cities

Raghu Velankar, member, RANWA

Zenobia Bharucha, Sect., Asmaakam