Pune's NIBM Annexe Residents Raise Alarm Over 'Tree Mafia,' Demand Action Against Illegal Tree Cutting

Residents of the NIBM Annexe area in Pune have raised concerns about an alleged "tree mafia", claiming that numerous trees in their locality are being illegally chopped down.

Jaymala Dhankikar, a resident of NIBM Annexe area, wrote a letter to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale, highlighting that two fully grown trees on the roadside near Axis Bank ATM at SM Ghule Chowk had been cut down.

"This act is a blatant violation of various environmental laws and regulations. I request the officials to immediately take action and direct the concerned authorities to register an FIR against those responsible for cutting down the trees," said Dhankikar.

The demands of the residents include directing the Pune Police to register an FIR against those responsible for cutting down the trees, conducting an investigation into the matter, identifying those responsible and taking disciplinary action against PMC officials or employees found to be involved in or negligent in their duties.

What does the law say?

- Indian Forest Act, 1927: Prohibits unauthorised felling of trees.

- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Prohibits activities harmful to the environment, including tree cutting.

- Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975: Prohibits cutting, removal, or destruction of trees in urban areas without permission.