Concerned Citizens and Forest Officials Convene Meeting to Address Tree Felling on Taljai Hill in Pune
Pune, 14th March 2024: In Pune, concerned citizens convened a meeting with forest officials at Van Bhavan to address the issue of tree felling on Taljai Hill. More than fifty citizens, along with representatives from various NGOs, participated in the discussion. Present at the meeting were notable figures including Chief Conservator of Forest NR Praveen, Retired Senior Forest Officer Satyajit Gujar, and Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite, among others.
During the meeting, citizens raised pressing questions regarding the authorization for tree felling on Taljai Hill, expressing dismay over the extensive scale of the operation and the indiscriminate axing of native trees alongside Gliricidia. Demands were made for accountability, with citizens urging for legal action against those responsible and a halt to further tree-cutting.
Despite the intense atmosphere and the barrage of inquiries, the forest officials remained largely unresponsive. However, they offered assurances that appropriate measures would be taken, including the formation of a forest management committee in collaboration with residents.
Chief Conservator of Forests NR Praveen assured attendees that no further trees would be felled on the hill, emphasizing the importance of future planning in consultation with the forest management committee and local stakeholders to ensure effective conservation efforts.
Lokesh Bapat, founder of Tellus organization, highlighted the longstanding efforts of citizens in preserving Taljai Hill, lamenting the lack of involvement and oversight from the forest department. He called for increased monitoring and maintenance of the area, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in conservation efforts.
Social activist Vivek Velankar underscored the critical role of citizens in safeguarding Pune’s green spaces, urging authorities to take prompt action against illegal tree felling and to recognize the contributions of local communities in preserving the city’s natural heritage.
