Imagine walking down the historic Ganeshkhind Road, shaded by magnificent banyan and umbar trees that are hundreds of years old, offering us respite from the bustling city life. These trees do not just stand; they breathe life, cleaning our air and anchoring the ecological balance in Pune. Yet, our city's precious green heritage is under imminent threat.

Pune Municipal Corporation's proposal for a 45-meter road widening scheme threatens to remove over 500 mature trees along Ganeshkhind Road, a critical artery connecting Sancheti Hospital to Pune University. The plan includes cutting down 60 trees and attempting to transplant 469 others, despite the grim reality that past transplantation efforts have largely failed.

These trees, many of which are over 50 to 200 years old, are irreplaceable in their contribution to pollution control and shade provision. The loss would not just be ecological; it would be a loss of our collective heritage. Environmentalists, including reputable experts, strongly oppose this move, highlighting the inadequacies and failures of past transplantation efforts.

Across weekends, activists, artists, and concerned citizens assemble near Reserve Bank of India Chowk, holding inspiring events like painting sessions and musical jams to protest against this senseless destruction. This is not just a protest; it's a movement reflecting the broader struggle to preserve Pune's shrinking green cover, with over 12,000 trees reportedly already lost in various initiatives.

We need to explore alternative, less destructive road construction solutions. We urge the Pune Municipal Corporation to reassess the road widening project. Instead, consider the adoption of smarter urban planning measures that do not compromise our environmental heritage.

We believe that urban development and environmental conservation can coexist. Let's not allow our heritage trees to become mere memories. Your signature can make a difference in protecting our environmental legacy, ensuring that future generations can walk under the shade of these magnificent trees just as we have.

Sign this petition to demand the preservation of our heritage trees on Ganeshkhind Road. Let's work together to protect Pune's green future.

You can also send an objection email by clicking on: https://punesamvad.wordpress.com/2026/04/09/object-to-530-tree-felling-ganeshkhind-road/