Residents of housing societies near Royal Heritage Mall in Kondhwa expressed concern over the poor repair work on a 550m internal road, which resulted in the choking of around 87 trees lining the stretch. Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) attempt to address the issue by digging pits around the tree trunks, experts argue that this measure is insufficient to save the trees. According to them, the cement cover around the trees should be removed, and the space filled with soil to ensure their survival. Additionally, PMC regulations stipulate a buffer zone around trees during road repair, but these rules were overlooked during the recent repair work.
The negligence of PMC officials in enforcing tree protection regulations during road repair has raised alarm among residents and environmental experts. While the cemented road addressed traffic congestion, concerns over environmental impact persist. Despite initial attempts to address the issue by digging pits around tree trunks, experts emphasize the need for more comprehensive measures to protect the trees, such as removing concrete and ensuring proper soil filling. Residents and experts stress the importance of coordination between PMC departments to prevent similar incidents in the future.