Pune Municipal Corporation Initiates Survey Following Fatal Tree Incident
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a comprehensive survey to identify dangerous trees across the city, just two days after a tragic incident where a woman lost her life due to a falling tree on Sinhagad Road. While activists and residents have welcomed this initiative, they have strongly criticized the civic body for what they describe as "waking up late" to the issue.
Citizen Criticism and Demand for Annual Inspections
Local residents and environmental activists have expressed frustration that the survey should have been conducted much earlier. They emphasize that such inspections should become an annual exercise to proactively prevent accidents caused by uprooting trees. The fatal incident involved Ranjana Navnath Giri, a resident of Ganeshmala off Sinhagad Road, who died when a tree fell on her near Navshya Maruti Mandir around 3:30 PM on Friday. Two other individuals sustained minor injuries in the same incident.
Recent Complaints and Administrative Response
Authorities received over 100 complaints regarding uprooted trees on Thursday alone. The PMC disaster management cell documented 21 incidents, while the fire brigade recorded 82 complaints from various areas across Pune. Mitali Mahajan, a Sinhagad Road resident, commented, "Unseasonal rains can lead to uprooting of trees in large numbers. The administration should be prepared for it 24x7. It is tragic to see people losing their lives because of the civic administration's ignorance."
Expert Recommendations for Tree Management
Environment enthusiast Manasi Kulkarni highlighted the importance of maintaining proper records. "The civic administration organises tree censuses frequently. It should make sure that the records of dangerous trees are maintained and a regular follow-up is taken. Such trees should be trimmed when necessary," she stated. Deputy commissioner of the civic disaster management department, Madhav Jagtap, assured that "PMC is trimming tree branches that could be dangerous. Iron mesh is being put up around roadside trees. Steps are being taken to ensure mishaps due to trees uprooting are averted."
Background on Tree Census and Biodiversity
Last month, the civic body decided to halt the latest tree census following strong objections over rising costs. This decision was finalized during a standing committee meeting after elected members raised concerns regarding tender estimates. According to the PMC's environment status report, the census is a critical tool for maintaining the city's biodiversity and green cover. It covers diverse terrains including the hills of Taljai, Pachgaon-Parvati, Katraj, Vetal, Chaturshringi, and Baner.
Previous census data revealed that Pune is home to 55,81,578 trees spanning 430 different species across 75 botanical families. The most common species is the giripushpa (Gliricidia sepium), while the census also identified 124 rare species requiring conservation efforts.
