September '07

Koregaon Park,

On the 21st September Mrs Mullick,  in Koregaon Park stopped ad-hoc tree pruning that was being undertaken by a corporator, Wagaskar's behest. The reason for this ad-hoc pruning was to enable the smooth procession of their Ganesha.  Pandit who is the GD personnel was there.  Only after Mrs Mullick called Khaire, the work has been stopped. She reported that the tone of the corporator was typically dominating and aggressive.

Tasneem spoke to Pandit and told him that however genuine the need is to prune the trees, it has to go through the formal and official process. And this applies even more for the officials and the corporators. Personally Tasneem has  also witnessed instances of the high handedness in which the corporators get work done at their whims and fancies, so she suggested that Pandit ensure that these ad-hoc demands are simply answered with a request to file an application for the same, to get the official permission. Some days later, Mrs Mullick informed that the trees were pruned nonetheless after some days. The group has yet to find out if it was with permission or without it. The tree were pruned a few days later.

Save Ranibagh in Mumbai campaign

Citizens from Mumbai called seeking help to Save Ranibagh in Mumbai. Ranibagh is a Botanical Garden in Mumbai is and under threat from Municipality as a Zoo has been planned to come up there and about 3000 trees are likely to be cut.  Number fo PTW members signed on the online petition to save Ranibagh

Tasneem wrote back with suggestions and steps to follow:

A dialogue between the BMC and the people is a must and as a simultaneous process.  If a detailed plan and the purpose of the makeover proposed, could be acquired it would really help to analyse if this is truly important (for whom, why, by whom, how, etc.) ; and if it is indeed then what are the alternative ways of achieveing the same. One would need to involve town planners, architects, environmentalists etc. for the same.

Technically:

• If there are rare trees that will be affected then we need to bring in the strong biodiversity angle.
• Some of you may know this already but they cannot fell any tree without a notice to the public. They need to invite objections for the same, and when that happens a flood of objections need to be given to them by the citizens.
• If the nests of birds will be ruffled due to the tree felling then we will need to use the WLPA act. Wildlife habitat loss which can be seen as a violation to the of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972, as amended in 2002, section 9 which states that ““Prohibition of Hunting. – No person shall hunt any wild animal specified in Schedule, I, II, III and IV except as provided under section 11 and section 12.” . Hunting is defined as:

“2 (16) "hunting", with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, includes,

a)         killing or poisoning of any wild animal or captive animal and every attempt to do so;

(b)         capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping, driving or baiting any wild or captive animal and every attempt to do so;

(c)          injuring or destroying or taking any part of the body of any such animal, or in the case of wild birds or reptiles, damaging the eggs of such birds or reptiles, or disturbing the eggs or nests of such birds or reptiles”.”

 

Paud Road
Santosh Visal of Ram-Laxman Society wrote to group on 27th September that  Passing by at 11:00 am he saw a group of people cutting trees near Paud Road (Ram-Laxman Society – Rambaug Colony) and he stopped them asking the society personif there was any docket. He showed me the permission from Garden Department PMC - Name that could be read was Mr. Dolas Mistri. There were four trees that were
written:  1. Nilgiri (11m) 2. Gulmohor (10m) 3. Gulmohor (10m) 4. Buch (11m)

The approx heights of the trees in the permission letter seemed to be wrong. On Site were more than 4-5 floors height i.e. approx 50 to 60 feet. may be 25 m height. The permission was wrongly interpreted. The permission stated to cut the branches above 7m which are coming over the LT MSEB lines on the other side of the road.  Santosh called Mr. Ghorpade and read the interpretation to him. He too told not to cut the trees but the branches only.

However the contractor said that he will cut the trees above 7 m itself. On the site, the branches are not just above the MSEB transmission lines but they are far above them. Nearly 10 m above the transmission lines. They are in no way hampering the MSEB transmission lines.

He found out following 3 untold reasons why the trees were actually being cut: 1. The society needs to clean the leaves that fall down . 2. The road passers sit down the tree and create kachra. The PMC road cleaners donot clean the kachra. 3. The contractor was not paid enough.

However the application made by the society never says that the branches are hampering MSEB lines. They mentioned that the Gulmohur tree is getting plucked up from the root. On the site it did not appear so. Not even the ants had eaten up. As per request by Mr. Vinod Jain, he then had called Ketki Ghate requested her to find out whether this tree(s) is/are dangerous.

tree is so high and so nice that I literally felt crying if it would have been cut at 7 m height. The tree as written in the application is not bent towards the building, but is bent outside the On site he also found that all the trees are very well grown, very nice. The Nilgiri building premises. 

 Further bitter experience was that the society chairman and secretary said that "do what ever u want to do our contractor would cut the trees down". He ordered the contractors men to cut the trees. The contractors men started off again. At the same time the contractor Mr. Uvraj came on site. He said that  he has to always work with the PTW and he cannot go against us. Santosh made him talk with Mr. Vinod Jain too and the contractor stopped his men at work. The chairman and secretary of the society were left lamenting.

The contractor explained that the contract did not provide him enough money to cut the branches. He had asked for Rs 3000/-. The society chairman/secretary denied to pay him that much. So they told him to take the wood + Rs 400. So he made contract to cut the trees. (for more wood naturally.)  

The society asked Santosh to write a letter, asking them to wait till Sunday, saying that under natural calamities if there is any calamity due to the trees Santosh (in other terms PTW) was responsible for the damages.

Amit enterprise

A new construction on a hill and 114 trees to be further cut though 4 months ago they took permission to cut 329 trees for same bldg.

27th September Anchal and Tasneem went to check on the Amit Enterprises constructions in Sahakarnagar. The site has asked for tree felling permission. The moment we saw the proposed construction we knew this was happening on a hill (what is that now as per DP rules!) . Please see the photos below. Not only that the area is like a forest dense, deep and with an amazing forest eco-system. It is also contiguous with the forest department administered Panchgaon Parvati. There are nine buildings proposed. Two buildings on the highest point of this plot. Truly appalling and a thorough loss if the plan will proceed as per Amit Enterprises and with the sanction of the PMC

Mangaldas Road

On 13th September Tasneem went for a site visit, invited by Mrs Shipchandler to help save the last trees of a plot on Managaldas road.  Infact a year or so back, the Dhole patil/bund garden resident's forum and Tasneem had been to this site. It was a beautiful bungalow surrounded by trees. Must be atleast 100 trees.  The site is for constructing a hotel for the Palm Grove and has been taken up by Raheja builders.

The story now is that the trees are gone, cut illegally. An alert was raised on this and a panchnama was made for 19 trees. They have duly paid the fine for this as well.

The residents and Tasneem are quite sure many more trees were felled and this has been grossly underestimated. So they would first need e to find out how many trees existed on the plot initially. For this they have

a)      requested through a letter the information on the tree count on that plot in the census that took place in 1996.

b)      retrieved the satellite image of that plot with the help of wikimapia. http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=18.53348&lon=73.882805&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2&show=/edit_wiki3.php?id=0&new=1&lng=0&xy=73882601x18533674x73883432x18533160x18.  The image clearly shows that the trees cut are much more than 19. See satellite image above (portion marked in blue)

A letter to this effect has been sent to the Municipal Commissioner.

Aundh site visit with Road dept and Garden Dept.

Anchal and  Samir Dhume from PTW accompanied  Mr. Sonune from Garden dept. Aundh area for the status check for building that were to be sent notice for not having planted the required number of trees.  They also visited 3 new buildings to count number of trees in their premises - “Westend 3” new bldg next to “Convergys Center”. “Panajpye complex” across the Westned 3 and two comlex near by under digging work for Multiplex.
 Unfortunately all the buildings are owned by a single owner and he has given development rights to different parties. In effect the owner has planted lots of Autralian Accacia in the complex at a very close distance between each other,  to fulfill the number requirement.  It was mentioned however that the NOC is required for each building separately by the party and that he needs to ensure that right numbers of trees are planted in that premise itself.  Builders use tactics such as planting dwarf Champa, clusters of bamboo and thus have achieved plantation to go beyond the actual numbers sought.
They ensured that they located space on road where trees could be planted, but again the road is to be widened and that storm water and services too will be coming underneath the footpath, thus rendering the plan of plantation useless.

 Mr. Sonune was willing to send notice to the building “Stellar Enclave” (houses Macdonald restaurant) with a zero tree cover in it’s large compoun, who have not yet responded to reminders since November’06. As per the rule the building should have 20 trees as per the plot area approximately.
While taking this up Khaire and Zagzap, they were assured  that a notice will be sent.

August '07

Tilak Road 

Sameer Acharya reported to the group that he saw some big trees being (big Neem) on Tilak Rd.at a new construction site.  He checked with the contractor and was shown a PTA authorization letter photocopy dated June 07 authorizing him to cut the tree. It also mentioned something like replanting new ones but Sameer could not understand the details. One of the things Sameer noticed was the new construction  hardly has any space between compound walls and the building and the cutting of Neem tree didn’t seem necessary but as he  did not have the entire constructions plans, he could not say for sure. The reason he wrote to the group was to say that unless there is some provision to tell the new developers that big trees should not be cut and they have to modify their plans accordingly, cutting will keep on happening. Also the new building does not seem to have parking provision compared to the building size

Tasneem wrote back stating that since the group has been looking at the various scenarios in the city, we are coming to realise that when the plot size is small, the scope of tree plantation gets smaller. The possible reason that the Neem is going is because it may be needed for maneuvering or entry to the ramp. We might also have to check to see if TILAK Road comes in the gaothan area, where the rules that apply are different.

It will be immensely difficult and to an extent unrealistic to come up with a rule that the big trees cannot be cut and plans will need to be modified; for a city like Pune. The architect and the PMC official that we are discussing with says that while this is possible for plots with an areas size more than 2000 sq m, it is not possible for small plots.

Coaliation for Balbharati- Paud phata road Court case

A network of 12 ngos’s came together to sign a joint letter addressed to the Pune municipal commissioner against the construction of the Balbharati Paud Phata rd through the hills. The letter was also sent to and leaders of all parties in the PMC. The letter proved to be vital as the high court further extended the stay on the construction of the road by another month.

July '07

Baner
On the 13th of July,   Mr Mendonca a resident of Baner, behind Orchid school called PTW to alert the group that a tree is being cut in his neighbor's building and they have permission not to cut but to transplant it. His timely action helped saving the tree from being fully cut.

The tree was basically being cut so that vehicles can enter the compound for parking. The concerned builder has built on an approximately 100sq. m plot;  a three story building and now wants to use off-street parking. This planning has resulted in no boundary wall being built  for  the plot.  Apparently builder is also planning to cut a Mahogany tree which seems to come in way of ramp entrance for basement parking. However Mr. Mendonca has photographs to show tempos going through that space and there is not need to axe the tree tree.

Airport Road Trees, near Gunjan Talkies
Huge trees on the Airport Road were chopped down for road widening. There was some amount of protest from a local business/service unit and they had in the past raised objections and work was stalled thereafter. They assumed that the trees were saved but were caught unaware when the trees started getting cut on Saturday the 21st. They intimated PTW, and we got in touch with the GD who mentioned that these commissioner’s orders. We then subsequently got in touch with the commissioner and asked for sometime to analyze if the trees could be saved to which he agreed. The site visit confirmed that the trees had to get cut and there was no way out. 

June '07

Alandi Road Construction
Nishi Manjeshwar wrote to the group informing that the road building work on Alandi Rd is progressing rapidly. All the trees near the Vishrantwadi Police Chowky have been cut and those on and  Datta Mandir  been transplanted. The demolition drive has been going on, clearing the way for the construction of the road. None of the trees that have been cut have ever had the pink notice put up and all trees are cut late evening or night. Nisha wanted to save the remaining trees and requested member of the PTW  and the Garden Dept. personnel came along.

Following this request and suitable response from PTW, Nishi Manjeshwar with the help of Anchal coordinated with the Garden Dept., PMC people and the contractor and set up a meeting on 6th June. The results of the meeting include the following -

1. The contractor and PMC personal are looking at saving some trees. A few trees have been replanted on the banks of the river opposite Bund garden river bank.
   
2. The trees will be planted on the "flower bed" area marked and constructed by the road-side.
3. Mr Ghorpade, Garden dept.  was to have a separate meeting with the contractor to finalize the cost and pit digging for 300 trees each at 5m distance on the flower bed.
4. If everything works as per plan, 300 trees will be planted this monsoon.

Follow-ups in this regard include the following
1. Monitoring the progress of  digging and plantation work.
2. Ensuring that native plants are planted.

Uday Baug, Peru Orchard

Vinod Jain, Lt Col. Sawhney and Anchal Sondhi along with Mr. Ghorpade and Mr. Salunke from the Garden dept visited a Peru orchard where 1069 trees have been marked for cutting in the April docket. The Peru orchard would be replaced with a huge complex and the site in question is situated alongside a green belt area. Most trees had numbering though it did not seem in order at all. Some trees were marked for felling though they were to be transplanted. There were no pink notice put up at the site and site was covered by aluminum patra from all sides.

Two separate complaints have been submitted to the Garden Department asking for proper assessment as builder has marked them as separate applications. Looking carefully at the site plans and the development plan it was revealed that green belt shown in the project map was not demarcated to identify the affected trees for one application. Plus there is a nala that is running alongside according to the development plan that is practically reduced to a trickle. The situation on-ground shows that the Nala is no longer in existence, which it has been verified with the City Engineer’s office and that of the Dept of Development Planning.  Further action on the side of the City Engineer’s side is awaited.  Though the trees in the green belt, numbering 115 will be saved.

Anchal Sondhi met up with PMC officials to understand the mysterious disappearance of the missing nalla. They have committed to measure the Peru orchard from the opposite land area to cross verify if any encroachments have indeed taken place.  

The left bank of green belt of 10m apparently had been merged in residential zone of Sopan bagh in 1987 plan but nalla was left as it is of 30m. The right bank green belt is as is and 115 trees of Peru in the plot of Mr. Boravke have been saved from being axed. Had members of PTW not visited the site all the trees would have been cut as they were all marked for felling.

An article on this issue was covered by the marathi daily ‘Sakal’ on july 10th. A tall building on site has apparently placed an underground pipe for the flow of nalla water as in DC rules its allowed that if a water course is low lying then it can be done so under 1987 DC rules (page no 29). Though this does not help in establishing how a 30 m nalla has disappeared from the face of the earth. A series of bungalow construction too have misused this nalla space.

We are still awaiting a written reply for the same.

Salim Ali Sanctuary
Delia Maria from the Airport Road Mohalla Committee  wrote to the group saying that for the last one and a half years they have asking the local Yerawada ward office to revive and maintain the proposed Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The garden dept. has made promises but have never done anything.  While their Mohalla Committee has asked for someone from the garden dept.  to attend the monthly ward meeting, they have remained absent.  The entrance to the sanctuary is blocked with ghanta gadis being stationed there making it totally inaccessible to the public or maintenance.  She has requested PTW  to take it up with the concerned department when you meet them next time. Member Feroza Saran wrote to the commissioner about the same and he responded by asking some officials to look into the issue with Feroza and Dr Erach Bharucha.

Law College Hill

As part of the docket process, 147 trees have been put up for felling permission to construct a water pipeline on the disputed Law College hill. After submitting objections for the same with the help of PTW members, a joint site visit was fixed with all the concerned departments and with the help of Prasad Latkar.

On that day Major General Sudhir Jatar, Prasad Latkar and Anil Kelkar accompanied some PMC officials to see the proposed pipeline alignment.  In many places, they found that trees were arbitrarily marked for cutting "just to be on the safe side" i.e. some trees could get knocked down by the movement of machinery. They asked that the contractor be instructed that he could not knock down any trees at all. Major Gen. Jatar and Mr. Latkar, with vast experience in civil construction, were able to convince them that many of the trees could be saved. As things stand now, they have agreed to withdraw the docket and propose 2 new alternatives cutting as few trees as possible.

Hadapsar
Mohit Bhog reported that there are lots of trees been cut outside Poonawalla group by MSEB in the name of wire work. These people were not only cutting the tree branches but also the main trunk. He has been able to stop them. He has also made some people who are local from this area understand what the punishment would be like. The locals  informed Mohit that this is a regular thing that happens there. This is normally done in the lanes and by-lanes. They also told me that they would allow them (MSEB)  to do this just because they are Government employees and they did not know it was illegal. The trees are transported at night so that they go unnoticed from everyone

May'07

Chinchwad
Dipalee Datar a botanist from Chinchwad reported to group about her area in PCMC area. “ My grandfather lives in his ownership bungalow. He had planted some trees alongside his bungalow plot about 25 years back. Now a big Marriage Hall is constructed next to his bungalow.   The trees obstruct the parking of vehicles during some functions, so the Hall owners now want to get the trees cut for convenience. The trees are just outside the official boundary of my grandfather’s plot. “The group has guided her on the procedure to follow and she is planning to take help of law to save the trees before they get axed.

NIBM forest land- cutting as reported by Rucha Mittal
Rucha Mittal contacted us regarding tree cuttings during the night right behind her house in NIBM area. Anchal Sondhi gave her the contact numbers of the forest dept. personnel  and advised her to complain about the same to them. Rucha is in touch with Mr. Borakhe  - the Forest Dept (FD) in charge of that area but he has not done any site visit with them. Instead he asked her to report if she sees the culprits cutting again. We tried to tell to explain to him  that there is no need to wait till more trees are axed,  and the need to do a site visit without such conditions. It was also mentioned that the FD dept needs to  be more vigilant and forthcoming in that area. Unfortunate again that none of the arguments held. Anchal did a site visit with Rucha, where she was shown all the spots where over last 6 months a lot of trees are being cut, at a gradual pace. Some of the felling seems to be propagated by the builder who apparently wants access from the area in question to the adjoining land where he has started building work. This was followed by a visit to the area where most recent cutting has happened and some Mohalla Committee members joined in as well. Rucha is putting together a complain letter to FD. On 29th  of May a joint site visit was conducted finally with help of FD and Mohalla Committee members. The FD has been asked to send notice to two parties for occupying FD land and damaging trees there. Mohalla Committee members will meet municipal Commissioner this week for discussion on protection measures of reserved forest in NIBM area.

Sangamwadi
Technofour in Sangmawadi – contacted the group to complain against the potential axing of a tree in their plot by Mr. Munjal of the adjoining plot. Mr Munjal has got permission in March 07 docket for cutting of 8 trees -  3 trees would be cut completely and 5 trees would be transplanted. On Saturday the director of the Company contacted the group and msaid that they have got to know through security guards that all trees are to be cut including a 40 yrs old Jamun tree in the compound of Technofour.

Mr. Jagzhap and Mr./ Pandit of Garden Dept. were informed immediately and they promptly informed that the concerned person has permission for 8 trees only and not the Jamun tree. Mr. Pandit agreed to do a  site visit and talk to the applicant at 10am. Though he did not come to the site as mentioned, when contacted he said he had spoken to Mr. Munjal the applicant and asked him not to cut any other tree. Technofour had in the meantime called in the Police and the applicant was told  not to take law in his own hand.

Technofour further added that the PMC building plan is conflict challenge as property is under dispute and the matter is pending in court. But Mr. Jagzhap said that they have not received any court order stating there is a stay on the property and for them if PMC building plan is passed and Tree authority too has looked at site and granted permission.  PTW  requested for a 2 two days stay on work so that documentation and photographic evidence can be submitted to Garden Dept on Monday. But Mr. Pandit only reached the site, after all the trees were cut. Technofour also has photographic proof that there were 3 trees prior to digging at site about 6 months ago that were cut without permission, which they would complain about.  Due to timely help from the group the Jamun tree was saved atleast.

April '07

Bavdhan

Sameer Acharya informed the group that he saw some people chopping tree branches in Bavdhan, near (police station). He questioned them to know why they are cutting the trees and if they have the necessary permission. He was told that they are working for the PMC water dept. in Kothrud, and one of the persons name was Sheikh. Further down towards university, near DRDO gate more chopped trees were seen and people collecting the cut wood.

Ruby Hall, Dhole Patil Road
Vinod Jain has informed the group that a tree near Ruby Hall Clinic, at a new mall was illegally felled in connivance with one labourer working for a contractor that does such jobs. Apparently there was some other work happening, for which the contractor was asked to do the job. At that time the mall people payed the labourer involved guy Rs 4000/- to chop off the tree. Vinod reported this to Jagzap who swung into action and has even asked the police to enquire into this matter. The labourer has agreed to having accepted the bribe. The Garden Dept has stated that the contractor will deal with this person separately, while they will fine the mall and I have asked him to make sure that three trees are planted as well.

Fire on Bavdhan hill at night of 9th April 07
Mrs Chavan had visited one of the PTW stalls that we had for awareness raising. She called Pune Tree Watch member Anchal Sondhi late at night to inform her about a fire that was lighting the Bandhan hill.  She had also requested the Fire Brigade for help with fire but they asked her to contact the Forest dept. She was worried that due to strong wind the fire will spread further and the trees will be damaged.
Anchal managed to reach Mr Khaire, who assures that he will contact the Forest Dept. Anchal followed this with Mr. Bhosale 98223-49132 from Forest dept as guided by Mr Khaire.  When contacted he was out of station but promised to help. Anchal also contacted Somesh Gite and Tasneem B. area reps of PTW for advice, who guided me to Mr. Bhale Rao of Forest dept and he in turn sent the guard to check the status.

The next morning both forest officials mentioned that since the property belongs to a private person they do not have rights to do anything there. However, forestland nearby had forest lines and there was no immediate danger to forest. Further he mentioned that in such fires fire brigade cannot control the fire as manually beating the fire with branches is the solution. This skill lies with forest dept and not so much with fire brigade personnel's.  Report will be collected next week.

Boat Club Road
Anchal did a site visit on Boat club road. Dimple Rai called in saying that the sapling planted on footpath in front of her house were not doing fine. To check out the cause and find a solution. This is her report…

 “The possible reasons for some sapling looking dead and others not doing fine could have been the following:

• Lack of sunlight as tall and beautiful rain trees exist over acrching over these saplings in most of the places.
• Due to lack of regular watering by garden dept.
• or that there seemed to be water line going right under these trees and maybe there is not enough of soil for saplings to shoot well.

However two Shisham trees are doing perfectly fine and two rain trees (so it seems) are also doing fine. One Neem is growing slow but then its growth is not so fast anyway.

 One tree is dead and in its place a Pepul seed has sprouted. One tree guard is come off its location and should be taken care off.

I spoke to Feroza Saran (Pune tree watch member and area coordinator of Boat Club Rd) and she too is in touch with Mr. Pandit, Area representative from Garden Dept.  Mr. Ghorpade and he said he is aware of the situation and proposes as solution along with Water works plan of that footpath to replant the trees by shifting the location slightly and he is sure that will help. The work should happen after few rain showers as otherwise now it will be too much of shock for saplings.”

Rambaug Colony
A member wrote in saying “I stay in Rambag colony..one construction site is going on near my place..there is a huge tree in their premises. They have started cutting it not a complete tree but in parts. it is really a huge & a good tree and it gives a good shed. I am afraid if they cut the whole tree... Can we do something?”. Though some members responded there was no more response on this from that member’s side. Anchal had indeed given telephonic guidance on the procedures to follow but  there has been no communication thereafter.

Cantontment Area
Vinod jain and Tasneem went on site visits with the Pune Cantontment Board for tree felling applications. Brig Sharma in charge of the PCB has asked for the site visit.

There were four places we visited and we have made recommendations. I will send a detailed report soon with pics. It was a good experience overall where one gets to communicate with the applicants themselves. Tasneem gave a written report to the Garden in-charge Mr Jayant Kangane to enable the decision making process when they are taken by the Cantonment Board. They have agreed to two our suggestions.

March 07

Mukundnagar, Gultekdi

Zenobia and Tasneem went for two site visits that appeared in for tree felling,  around Gultekdi, with the garden dept personnel - jagtap
I) Index no 92, where there is a new bypass road that will be made from lahane path(mukundnagar) to Shankarsheth.  The road will affect 174 trees, 121 of which will be transplanted. We have  submitted our objections/suggestions stating 

    a) transplantation to be done in the same place.

    b) retaining those trees that can act as a natural divider instead of transplanting them.

They  met a concerned citizen by the name of Arvind patil, who is ready to absorb some of the trees in his land as well. We have asked him to write to the garden dept, mentioning all the above points and stating that other obstacles need to be removed before the trees should be cut down. He said he would do this.

II)  Pointed out the new mall in Mukundnagar - Modi mall - is without trees. The modus operandi of many builders is that they abide by the ruls of one tree per 100 sq m to get the No Objection Certificate. Having got that they remove the saplings and enjoy the 'optimum' utilisation of space. Jagtap spoke to them and we will be writing a letter to make sure that some kind of record is there and subsequent follow-up will take place. THE PLANTATIONS HAVE  HAPPENED AFTER MUCH FOLLOW-UP!. OTHER CITIZENS ARE ALSO URGED TO TAKE SIMILAR RECOURSE.

Amit Enterprises, Sahakar Nagar
Also as part of the docket Anchal did a site visit with Sahakar Nagar Garden Dept. rep Mr. Kumbhar on 6th Mar' 07 to this site called "Amit Enterprise"  6 buildings to be constructed in a huge plot on hill slope in Parvati area just below Taljai forest patch. Two blocks of building are already constructed some time back and were incomplete with work stopped some time back. Further there was some clearing of vegetaion on ground under the high tension wire. Though no tree stumps could be seen. This application was brought in 2004 for permission to PTA and Vandana Chauvan , member of PTA objected to it saying "pls check in DC rules as the site is on hill slope." The DC rules okayed it but subsequently Vivek Velekar and activist filed a court case in Bombay high court saying " its illegal construction on hill slope hence trees cannot be cut."

A large number of 329 trees are marked for cutting. The mass of trees is of mixed variety like Cassia simens, Glyceridia, neem and others merge into the forest of Taljai forest under Forest dept. However as per building plan these are not to be cut. What will go is the high tension wire and trees under it. But further to this Anchal has asked fo only those trees to be removed that come in the way and not the others

Vimanagar, road widening

Sachin Anandeo from Vimanagar had reported regarding the tree fall in largenumbers in Viman Nagar area. Tasneem arranged the Garden Department and Road Engg. Dept. officers to gather at VimanNagar on the  03.03.2007. Tasneem, Vasu and Sachin along with the department people reviewed the plan of road widening in the area.  The members realized that that many more trees that they are going to cut can be saved if they change their plan a little bit. The change is they have to make the footpath wider so that Trees can be accommodated on or near to footpath. Tasneem requested them for this and they agreed upon it. We really able to save many trees by this change in road plan.  Also the Road Engg. person accepted that many trees are unnecessary got cut down, and promised to get replanted in the same area. Some trees are really falling on the road and necessary to be fallen for the road widening purpose, they will also get replanted.  This entire stretch or fully grown (and beautiful) trees, going all the way down the road (which cannot be seen) will be saved. Do not have a count per se.

Trees affected by the work            Trees that will be saved

Interesting bits and pieces of information

a)   Hoteliers and shop owner prefer trees by the road; they protest vehemently when the tree is cut, as they no more can extend their shop 'sheds'. 

b)   The permission to cut the trees on this road is a year old. The Road dept. has to finish the money sanctioned and that is why they are 'running' with the road.

c)    The appointment was at 9:30, the garden dept official (who is a co-operative) came in a little before 11:30.  Next time, as per vasu's suggestion, we must pick them up from their homes

d)   The road dept was co-operative and understanding towards our point of view.  Must extend our thank you also to the Garden dept.

e)   Traffic dept and road dept, ideally should work in an integrated fashion. Commercial Parking areas are not used at all, you will find all the extensions coming up there. But that is another ball game.

On the 14th of March  Vinayak Shinde (Road. Engg dept.) put all the marks (Green circle for not cutting, and red circle for cutting) on the trees at Viman Nagar. Sachin will also be reviewing them today to see if they are proper or not.

Vimanagar

Amar from Viman nagar alerted the group - according to him behind Lunkad office or "Zodiac" building in trees were being cut for last 2-3 days and mostly at night time. Hence he got suspicious that it may be illegal cutting. Further Amar said the cut tree stumps have been covered with construction material,
hence it will be difficult to check out. But at least the remaining trees which are in the middle of plot and big trees like  Tamarind and others could be saved by cross checking. He has made a police complaint but theydid not respond. Anchal Sondhi followed this case and informed Mr. Jagzap and Mr Ghorpade , Assistant Garden superintendent about it. They said they are sending the person immediately to the site Mr. Parte of Yerwada area.  Sachin also said that he will try and go over to site later that day

The party in question was asked to explain why 5 trees had been cut by them without permission. Amar also informed that post cutting they razed down one temporary structure in the same compound and used the construction debris to cover the stumps. This was informed to Garden Dept. and they in turn went to check the site.  Unfortunately Amar was out of town so could not help in identifying possible sites were stump was hidden by debris. According to him more than 5 were cut.

Durga Tekdi, Nigdi

Report from Sameer Acharya on his Durga Tekdi visit -
"The group has been informed yesterday about a lot of tree felling happening at the Durga Tekadi, Nigdi near the Appu Ghar. This all is happening to beautify the place, make ornamental lawns and plant ornamental trees.  Apparently trees to the count of thousands have been cut and there is a possibility many more would come under the axe. The person wants us to come for a site visit. As you know that our involvement goes much beyond that, it would be difficult to follow this up without having a PTW member living that side and helping with the process. In response to a call from Rajiv Goyal, Sameer Acharya visited the Durga tekdi to find out what exactly was going on.  He reports that “ Durga Tekdi is a beautiful hillock near Pradhikaran area in Nigdi. It has been specially reserved for sustaining biodiversity. The board near entrance gate proudly claims that this area (13-15 acres) has been developed by PCMC by planting various trees like Banyan etc. Photography is strictly prohibited(no reasons given). On the top there is a temple of goddess Durga.  This area was developed by the military by planting lots of trees and handed over to PCMC, according to Rajiv it had a thick growth of trees which were more than 30 years old. Unfortunately I couldn’t see those thick trees.  What I saw was stumps of recently cutoff trees in huge numbers (this could easily exceed 1000), in many places trees have been cut to make.... lawns. And all around the sides of roads trees have been cut (stumps all over) and they are planting decorative tree. Phytus (I think).

And all around the sides of roads trees have been cut (stumps all over) and they are planting decorative tree. Phytus (I think). Its a mockery of the board (freshly painted near the entrance) which proudly claims biodiversityIts as if the PCMC is blowing out lots of money to build a decorative garden (yes with pipes et al) and chopping off huge grown trees. A few banyan trees have been planted in between. Rajiv mentioned that this huge chopping has been going on for past 1-2 years."

Jain Mandir

Vinod jain  was informed of a tree being cut at the Jain Mandir near the PMC. They put in an application to cut the tree as it was coming close to the roof of the premises but started cutting it even before they received the application. Vinod stopped this promptly and even put in an objection as it was in this month's docket. He informed us a few days back that the tree has been saved and the temple authorites will cut the roof open to accommodate the tree.

#

Gurudwara Road
Almost a month back Tasneem was asked to look at this site when Tasneem was visiting someone. This is Tasneem's reports -  "At that time only the large 100 plus years old and perhaps some others were cut. We raised an alarm and I had asked the person staying there to monitor the process, but that was not to happen. Tasneem even asked the person to contact the media and gave the numbers duly.  The PCB person Jayant Kangane had also visited but by that time the permission was given. Apparently this piece of land belongs to the A-class category or so and the defence took the decision.

Members of Pune Tree Watch met Brig Sharma, who has replaced Brig Rasquinha, at the exhibition on the 18th Mar. Our work was presented  to him, and Jayant Kangane also mentioned how we have been working together on  some occassions. Brig Sharma, expressed his interest to alliance with us when the need arises within the cantontment area, and us meeting him. We were surprised when that happened as quickly as the next day, and we were taken to the site.

Brig. Sharma was unhappy that so many were cut and to save the rest he has actually asked for design changes in the plan. They will also organise to get some of trees transplanted if possible.He has also stated that Pune Tree Watch should be consulted when such a need arises. His attitude has opened up a huge space for us to work with the PCB. Jayant, too feels this would be a good opportunity for us to mobilise interested groups and citizens to come together for the cantontment area. We are hoping that we can also reopen the Morwada Nala case  as well."

Aundh

Mr. Naguda from Aundh, reported about a Jamun tree pruned heavily on Monday 20th mar 07 in a building next to Kotbagi Hospital in Aundh. The tree was hea vily pruned and that too without permission. Members and Mr Naguda suspected that this would have been completely cut.  The tree has been saved and hopefully it grows back.

Van (Forest) day celebration
On the 21st of march, Anchal got invited for Van (Forest) day celebration by Garden Dep't PMC at 11:20 am while their program was already underway. Member,  Shantha Bhushan was also present on the occassion.
First they hung two token artificial bird nest in Chitranjan Vaitka in Model colony as visible in pic. Dr. Karad and bird nesting expert selected the site based on survey with the students of Ornithology course being run by Garware college.  Dr. Satish Pande. and Dr. Satyasheel Naik along with Neelimkumar Khaire of Katraj Snake Park have planned in consulation with Mr. Khaire of Garden Dept. to study if artificial nest get accepted by city birds especially when natural nesting sites are depleting  We have expressed that discussion should happen for the entire plan along with PTW members so as to ensure that putting artificial nest does not become and excuse for cutting of trees with nests on them.
After the celebrations Anchal and the garden dept. personnel went to Baner IRDP rds site where part of IRDP work is over and space had been marked in plan approved along with garden dept for future tree plantation in lieu of tree cut during making of IRDP project. However some of the spaces marked for planting had phone and MSEB lines (maybe ) going underneath.

So planting of healthy "Bakul" tree took place today in majority of sites where visibly no wire was present.
Garden Dept. had requested umpteen times to the relevant dept to make sure all pipes are placed in service duct provided for in the plan. As of today the service duct meant for all services like phone lines , MSEB lines was totally empty

The spaces provided for planting tree today took place entirely due to single handed follow up by Mr. Ghopade otherwise like in Karve Rd IRDP project on plan trees are there  but not in reality.

 

February '07

Pune Tree Authority nomination

Led by Pune Tree Watch, many environment groups and civil society groups have written to the Pune Municipal Commissioner (see letter below) 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.

The groups believe that this body needs a balanced representation of elected corporators and experts to guide them through this process . 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. The results of our efforts will be known to us by April when this procedure takes place.  (See our letter to the Commissioner)

Walk-out from the Pune Tree Authority meeting

Members staged a walkout from the PTA meeting held on the 6th Feb 07.  Anchal and Vinod attended the meeting but as usual the chairman was absent. As per our report in the previous months, the Commissioner had delegated this task to the Addt. Municipal Commissioner - Mary Kerketa's. She continued to remain absent from the meetings despite that and even after us having met her. PTW members felt it best to stage a protest by walking out of meeting on the grounds that a Pune Tree Authority member cannot chair the meeting as per the processes.  Anchal and Vinod visited Mary Kerketa's office and met her, she told them  that she was aware of the meeting but had asked Mr. Khaire to attend.

Harsh Hall, Karve Road

On the  27th of feb, Anchal Sondhi came across heavy pruning activity  at Harsh Hall, Karve Road. The manager on being questioned replied that he was not aware that for taking care of garden he has to take permission. He had pruned 2 other trees last week or so too, but in those cases was not so bad.

The Neem tree was being pruned heavily to allow for sunlight to reach the grass lawn. Anchal informed the garden dept in-charge for that area but he was initially reluctant to take a look and said that  he would book him later and that he knew him.

On further insistence he finally came and made a note.

Warje

Anchal made a follow-up trip to a road contruction site at Warje. The overall result of the visit  seemed fruitful as we engaged with Kashec engineering, the same contractors who we had taken on for the Shastri nagar,  and marked on the road plan itself,  locations to plant trees. Roughly about 42 trees are to be transplanted , 5 to be cut, and 124 to be planted. Plantation of new sapling will happen once work of road is complete.

Salunkhe Vihar

Elaine Kochar wrote to the group that “There is a large amount of rubble being dumped in the forest at the back of Salunkhe vihar in the forest area and this has been going on for a very long time. Also suddenly some buildings have come up on the top of the hill which I can see from Maestros, along the road over the hill to Mohammedvari.  I had written last year to the coordinator in Salunkhe Vihar but there wasnt any response. It is possible for some of us to work in this area. Karve Road and area around that side are not possible to come to and work in.  What should one do?”.

In response to this Tasneem and Karthik met up with Elaine to decide on an action plan. A letter has been drafted and will be sent to the concerned authorities soon.

Exhibition, Garden fair

Members of Pune tree Watch put up a stall at the Garden fair that took place on the 17th and the 18th of Feb. Anchal had initiated talks with the Garden dept. to put an awareness stall and they fully obliged giving us a  PTW stall in  Garden fair on 17th and 18th Feb 2007.
Due to their collective efforts more people enrolled and wanted to become members and expressed desire to help. Some visitors put there name and said they liked the stall as it was asking for help and was different from selling flowers or related to garden implements. We had a powerpoint presentation on trees and our activities, which drew a number of people. Posters with our photo album of PTW work helped in explaining to visitors as to what it's all about. There was an art corner where some children came and made tree visiting cards of Pune tree watch with garden contact number for complaining when they see a tree being cut. There were two visitors to stall, who had tried to stop tree cutters and complained to police some time back on their won. They were glad to know that such a group existed. Two visitors wanted to cut the trees or prune it and got to know from us the procedure. Out of which one said she will look at transplanting the trees rather than cut as they themselves had planted but due to high tension wire nearby there is a danger. So they might get in touch with us to help them. Four  persons wanted to join us and two others have offered to help in kind.

Letter to the Commissioner - Unsatisfactory participation of the Additional Municipal Commissioner in the proceedings of the Pune Tree Authority

The group also wrote to the commissioner w.r.t the Unsatisfactory participation of the Additional Municipal Commissioner in the proceedings of the Pune Tree Authority.

The main contents of the letter are pasted below:

“This letter is in reference to our previous letter and our subsequent meeting (1st Nov’06) on the issues we feel need to be addressed on the implementation of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act (1975).

 You had indeed mentioned that the Additional Municipal Commissioner would henceforth be attending meetings and attending to the issues of the Pune Tree Authority, and taking cue from that we even visited the Additional Municipal Commissioner. During that meeting she had mentioned that since Mr Khaire is in-charge of the Garden Department, she would initiate a meeting with him and us. That has not yet happened. Also since November, the Additional Municipal Commissioner continues to be absent in the monthly meetings of the Pune Tree Authority. In fact in the last meeting on the 6th of Feb ‘07, we staged a walk out as a sign of protest against the manner in which the issue on hand is not being taken with any seriousness. Thereafter we do not know what has happened with regards to the objections we have taken on this times docket.

We think it is due time now that a good precedence be set for the same at least in terms of participation of the chairman of the Pune Tree Authority.

We are eagerly looking forward for your response”

January '07

Vimanagar

Niranjan Upasani visited the the site mentioned in the Serial Number 107 (No Application Number in the docket) and 83 (No Application Number in the docket). He reports that the land was initially under dispute, and there were no development activities (proposed garden) carried out. The 135 Kateri Babul (Acacia) and other trees give shelter to a variety of birds and small mammals. Birds like the sparrow, Crow, Myna, Kite, Pigeon can be found in the canopy and also some migratory birds during the migration season. If the  garden was developed before, a lot of trees cut on the Airport road would have been transplanted in this premises. One more thing about this proposal, they are specifically targeting all of the Kateri babul trees and not the other trees. 

In case of Serial Number 83, there is enough space for widening the road and there is no need to cut down the trees. There is no heavy traffic, other than some company buses and the most important WATER TANKERS. Though the area has rapidly developed in the last 3 years, and the number of vehicle have increased by 30 to 50 times, the present width if tarred properly would facilitate a wider road and also a wide footpath with intermittent vehicle parking.

The unique thing about these two proposals is, it does not have an application number mentioned in the docket. Something Niranjan feels is more to do with the PMC Elections rather than development work.

 

 

The Forest Case

In 1997 a survey of forests was ordered by the Supreme Court in all the states to identify and include areas (govt or individual owned), as forests that are not under forest department but fall pretty much within the definition of the dictionary meaning.  The 1997 survey was in pursuance of the orders of the Supreme Court dated 12/12/1996 in T.N. Godavarman Vs Union of India (W.P. (C) 202 of 1995),  whereby forests were to be identified as per the dictionary meaning of forests in addition to the already recorded forests.

 As of this year in August, a resurvey has been ordered by the Joint Sect Forest (Maharashtra) (see PDF file attached) to exclude such areas that have been mistakenly identified and also to reascertain the true identified forests.  On the 10th of Nov,  we met the Collector Mr Deshmukh on this issue (please see Letter to Collector Pune, November 10, 2006) urging him to include Law College Hill  and other such sites in the 'identified forest' category, whereby he clearly said that this was the responsibility of the forest dept. ie the Deputy Conservator of Forests - Mr Ashok Khadse;  and they had to follow what he gave to them. We managed to retrieve the response of the forest department from the collector's office, to this resurvey call, and the response was not unexpected. The forest dept (which means Khadse) has only concentrated on exclusion of the areas and they have excluded many areas which they had previously included in 1997. There is absolutely no mention of including more forests.  Just to state some figures - for the city of Pune a total of  97.95 hectares were in the earlier list and of through this resurvey they have recommended all the 97.95 hectares be excluded for various reasons. In the entire Pune district the number comes down from 1100 ha to 300 ha.

Since the Maharashtra Forest Department has yet not filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court, we can still use this opportunity to get various areas included by sending letters to Collector, with copies to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). Inclusion in the 'identified' forest  list (of areas even within city limits which qualify) can really help to thwart mindless development in these areas in the future. 

Kalpavriksh has written a follow-up letter to the Collector expressing concerns (please see Letter to Collector Pune, December 21st 2006)  about the resurvey and seeking remedial measures. But this is also the right moment for all us to write (seperately) to the Collector to justify the reasons they have removed all so much forest land and demand that a fresh survey happen with people's participation. We requested groups and citizens to use  the format of the second and fax along with speed post a copy of this letter to the collector asap with a copy to the PCCF.   

Maintaining contact with  the Collector's office for sometime now we were told that  SDM (Sub Divisional M(agistrate)), a Mr Shinde,  is going to hold an enquiry. Tasneem  mentioned to the contact person that this enquiry should also involve our participation. What he said was that they would call us as well.  I am not very clear how the process will flow but will try to maintain regular contact with them to know where it is going. Will keep the updates on.

contd............

Tasneem has been in touch with the collector's dept for months now, and in the month May'07,  they have finally affirmed that a joint site visit will be conducted by the forest dept. and the collector's dept to re-assess what they have described in the survey.  Tasneem reports " The point that we as Ngo's and citizen representatives would also want to be a part of the visits whenever they happen – was reiterated.  We were informed that this would be the course of action taken.  Towards the end of April we received a letter marked to us asking the Forest Dept to respond with a letter/report to our concerns. Following this Vinod Jain and Tasneem met up the Tehsildar at his office . Forest officers were also there and there was much discussion and deliberation. According to Tasneem - overall the tehsildar, Mr Suryavanshi was pretty balanced in his approach. Infact he has requested for satellite imagery and aerial shooting to enable the decision.  We pointed out that our concerns also go beyond ILS law college and we want some kind of solution for the identified forest issue wherein 800 Ha out of 1100 Ha of 'identified forests' would be taken off the list, in Pune District. But there was not any concrete reply on that. The usual argument is that people will be troubled and people will start getting scared of planting trees lest they be considered as forests etc. Our point of the argument was, that we need to strongly bring into perspective the failing environment conditions of the city. One cannot always argue that forests in villages /rural areas will be enough.............. and that the concept of urban forests needs to be explored.
Apparently the collector has only asked the tehsildar to look into the law college hill issue. It has been now decided that a meeting will be organised on the 5th of May and all concerned parties would be invited incl. the principal of the college, the people who filed the court case etc"

Baner IRDP road update Jan 2007: 

Baner road is to be completed by 2007 for the games to be held at Balewadi. Hence the work has picked up a wee bit in last month. Anchal has been monitoring this road for now all most 6 months. Application for cutting trees came out in July 2006 Docket. Vivek Velankar objected and PTA proposed a joint site visit in Aug 2006 - which did not happen. Further the garden person in charge was Mr. Nagawade retired in 2006 and has not since then handed over the charge fully to Mr. Ghorpade, Assistant Garden Superintendent.

Mr. Jagjhaap, the recently inducted Tree officer when contacted w.r.t the trees getting ruthlessly damaged conveniently hands over the matter to Mr. Ghorpade and Mr. Sonune, Aundh Garden representative. There is no plan on paper but they continue to working nevertheless.  IRDP engineers also pass the buck to  Garden dept. for acquiring the plan.  In a situation like this Anchal thinks it’s  best to observe and be in regular touch with them.

They are cutting down those trees which are  too old and can't be transplanted. What can be transplanted they have heavily pruned and kept as it is for 5-6 weeks without watering the trees. Plus with heavy load of construction activity for the road further leads to damage to trees. However the garden dept. claimed that trees have to be left at the same place after heavy pruning so that the energy gets stored with tree for new shoots to come. But time for such activity is usually 7 to 10 days. One  day some trees were missing and some were totally cut from base.  Anchal insisted on visiting the site where they were transplanted. At the site Anchal found out that these were the trees, which were transplanted from Sus-Pashan Rd widening project about 40 days ago. Overall she concludes that  it was heartening to see some trees actually transplanted. Some seemed to have sprung shoots too.There were some coconut tall trees in this lot and one learnt that its possible to transplant them too. Samir and Anchal also congratulated Mr. Sonune about his work.  Tabubeia Rosa saplings, 106 in numbers, have been planted along the NCl wall on Baner Rd as part of IRDP project,   space being a major constraint as the service pipelines and storm water drainage is next to it, underneath.

Mixed trees would have been advisable but since no plan is shared it becomes difficult to plan together. Mr.Ghorpade has been requested to plant other trees as further road is completed.

Vaikunth Mehta Case

As agreed upon by the  Garden Dept., Pune Tree Watch went on a joint site visit in Jan to  the Vaikunth Mehta institute(VM) case where they want to cut 24 trees to build a wall (dec'06 alert for more details).

They have already illegally felled 30 trees for which they have not yet paid the fine. The Mohalla committee members, Mr Upadhyay and Mrs Smita Kulkarni also joined us. Mr Upadhyay, a senor citizen has planted and taken care of many trees in that locality.  From the Garden dept., there was Mr Khaire, Mr Jagjhaap, Mr Ghorpade and Mr Sonune and Anchal and myself represented Pune Tree Watch.  There was Mr Joseph who came from VM.  It was a fruitful meeting as Mr Khaire, too agreed that the trees need not be cut to make a wall. The wall structure can be brought in/out accordingly to go around the tree. He cautioned that in case of inevitability of the need to cut any tree, they had to contact the garden department for an inspection again. He  has allowed for one or two trees to be cut but that was also agreed to upon by the Mohalla committee members who were present there. The Mohalla Committee members said that they would also help monitor so that the contractor does not cut any tree.  There was a bit of heated exchange as well but all in all it was a day made!.

Further Update
On the 21st of may the group checked with Garden dept. and got to know that the fine is paid up and amount is Rs1,25,000 with a shortfall of Rs 25,000/-.  On further enquiry the group got to know that they have transplanted 13 trees and hence the amount has been adjusted. Though Mrs. Upadhay confirmed that no transplantation has been done as trees were already fully cut, however some branches were planted behind boundary wall and since that area is inaccessible the status of these cannot be established.

Koregaon Park

Feroza Saran  informed the group about  the following –

a)  Regular tree felling on the river bank outside Popular Heights on the Koregaon Park Burning Ghat Road.

b)  A place which was reserved for a public garden in the same locality, has now been converted into a community hall, but a builder wants to make it into a commercial complex.

c)   Shakti Appartments on Max Mueller Bhaval Lane will soon be broken down next months and some new construction will come up whereby most of the trees are going to be cut down.

d)  Tremendous amounts of new constructions are coming up in the Koregaon Park area, and we need public watchdogs to keep an eye on these places as far as tree cutting/transplanting is concerned.

Gokhalenagar area

This is regarding the unauthorized tree cutting/re-plantation by some of the members of one society sent by Shailaja.  Following is her email to the group

 “We are staying in Gokhalenagar area and the building was completed by MHADA in 1998.  We took possession in 1998 and plant various trees nearby our flat.  The trees are so planted that they never troubles to the peoples.  However some of the members remove these trees without consent of Tree Authority in 2003.  We approach to the Garden Dept, Sambhaji Udyan but in vain.  Because despite of refusal of the permission, the past society chairman removed the tree in the name of replantation but the main intention is that not to benefit us!

 Since 2003 we follow up the matter with Garden Dept and Police Station.  I send the 6 reminders to Garden Dept but no answer was given.  Being fed up of all these,  making an application under Right to Information Act then only Garden Dept issued a Show Cause Notice to the society on 23.6.2006 that why the criminal proceeding should not be initiated?    The society never replies as usual.  I think that this is a mere formality.  Because I made application 2 times under RTI and they informed me that the action is being taken.

 Even I asked to Garden Dept that since 2003 we are follow up the case and why not the action is taken in this long period?  They simply replied that the procedure is going on!!  When I demand file noting of the matter, the note clear state that the society is in fault, they remove the trees despite of refusal of permission.  The Garden Dept had the photo copies of the trees.

 I think the Garden Dept using the corrupt practices.  We are very much sad by these replies.  We cant forget the removal of coconut tree which was developed by us.  Society's contention is that the road is not sufficient and hence they removed the same.  But the facts are different.

 All the peoples are required to kindly guide me on this issue.  Can we sue the PMC in court of Law?  And what is the expected cost for the same?”

 

Warje Sinhagad Rd

Anchal Sondhi visited the Warje Sinhagad Rd where work for IRDP road is on. The work of which is subcontracted to a pvt. body by PMC. As the storm water line is to be laid on both sides of road for about 1.5km length. 42 trees are to be transplanted. They say will be done at the same site next to footpath but the efficacy of this is doubtful. 7 trees come in way of storm water pipeline therefore need to be cut and since these are difficult to transplant will go forever. Anchal has put in an objection  for the same.

 
Tree Plantation, Nucleus Mall

Vinod Jain organized a tree plantation at Nucleus Mall, Camp, Pune. It was attended by

Feroza Saran, Roda Mehta, Samir Dhume, Vinod Jain and his family members, Juneja and friends of Vinod Jain, Garden Dept  as well as members from that ward. There was a proper ceremony with the Police chief planting the first tree.Tree guards and watering of saplings was done with help of the Garden Dept. personnel.

There were 3 young children who helped carry the heavy tree guards, bring water from nearby petrol pump. They are children of a waste-picker working in Ladies club, Camp Pune. Their names are Kaliya, Sujit and Mobile. Yes Mobile is a name.

There were indigenous species like Pepul, Bhindi, Putranjiva . There were exotic like African sausage tree, and tabubeia rosa and these trees are tall about 25-30ft and provide good shade and Tabubiea blooms well. The garden dept. nursery has started stocking indigenous trees thanks to efforts by Vinod Jain.  Vinod had arranged for tall and healthy saplings, deep pits for planting sapling, tree gaurds, mud and most crucial - a water tanker.