Pune: PCMC Initiates Tree Removal for Pimpri Railway Flyover; Environmentalists Urge Transplantation

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri, 29th February 2024: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to remove 142 trees from the Defense Department site to facilitate the construction of a railway flyover at the Dairy Farm in Pimpri. In exchange for the trees, an amount of 9 lakh rupees will be provided to the defence department.

The construction of the flyover at Pimpri Dairy Farm, near the railway gate, has already commenced. The completion of this bridge will result in the closure of the railway gate on the existing Mumbai Pune railway line, offering a more direct route from Pune Mumbai road to Pimpri Gaon. This alteration aims to save the travel time and fuel of the citizens.

It’s important to note that the railway flyover is planned to be erected on a site falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence. The necessary steps, including the transfer of defence department land to PCMC and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them, have already been undertaken for the project.

24,119.26 square meters area of land has been officially transferred to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) for the construction of the bridge. A formal agreement has been established between PCMC and the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India for this purpose. The Tree Authority Department has approved the removal of 142 trees that obstruct the bridge’s development. The assessment of these trees has been determined by the Forest Range Officers. Consequently, the Defense Department has requested a payment of Rs. 8,94,922 from PCMC, and the Standing Committee has endorsed this disbursement.

The construction of the bridge at Pimpri Dairy Farm aims to streamline travel routes, eliminating the need for a lengthy journey to reach Pimpri Gaon, Rahatani, Pimple Saudagar, and Pimpri Camp. The current traffic bottleneck at the railway gate poses challenges, exacerbated by the consistent operation of trains on the Mumbai Pune line. Commuters often experience delays due to multiple trains passing through, leading to confusion and congestion. The proposed flyover over the railway gate is anticipated to alleviate these issues.

However, despite the potential benefits of the bridge, the decision to remove 142 trees has drawn criticism. Environmentalists argue that this move worsens the existing pollution levels in the Pimpri Chinchwad area—many advocates for alternative solutions that would preserve the green cover and address environmental concerns.

Prashant Raul, the founder of Green Army and an Environmentalist, expressed concern over the ongoing deforestation. Raul told Punekar News, “More than 150 trees are on the verge of falling there. I’ve engaged with the PCMC commissioner on this matter. A similar situation arose during the construction of the Bopkhel bridge. At that time, we urged the authorities to consider transplanting the trees. Our stance remains unchanged; we advocate for the transplantation of these trees. We’ve provided training to PCMC staff on the transplantation process. Additionally, I’ve urged the Commissioner to provide a detailed record of the tree varieties present. Following a thorough survey, transplant the identified trees, especially those in the significant dairy farm area that houses old and crucial trees if feasible. Preserving them is imperative.”

PCMC Executive Engineer Pramod Ombhase announced, “The removal of 142 trees obstructing the Dairy Farm flyover is imminent. Payments for their removal have been submitted to the Defense Department. As part of this arrangement, PCMC will plant numerous trees in Dighi, Nigdi, Aundh, Dehu Road, and other areas under the Defense Department’s jurisdiction.”

However, rather than solely introducing new trees, environmentalists in Pimpri Chinchwad suggest that PCMC should prioritize the transplantation of existing trees alongside the planting of new ones. They emphasize that while development is essential, it should occur without causing harm to the environment.