Shri Devendra Fadnavis - Hon Chief Minister Maharashtra
Government of Maharashtra

Dear Sir,

We would like to bring to your attention the illegal practice of tree cutting, tree trimming happening in Pimpri Chinchwad since many years.

Such instances have been reported by various citizens and NGOs to PCMC on a regular basis but there has been no substantive action till date and the illegal practice continues unabated with officials and contractors turning a blinds eye to the complaints by citizens.

The Indian Constitution Article 51-A (g), says that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

As per Environment Protection Act 1986 it is the obligation of the state to provide a healthy environment to the citizens and redress injuries to trees.

The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 Section 2(c) recognises that any act of burning,cutting or damaging tree as tree cutting and therefore trimming,pruning of tree which involves cutting of branches or part of tree or any act injurious to tree as tree felling. 

As custodian of the law ,the Tree Authority of PCMC is required to file a FIR against the culprits for illegal tree trimming,cutting. For any kind of such harm caused to the trees "The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 " stipulates punishment on conviction with a fine of not less than Rs 1,000 which may extend up to Rs 5,000 for every offence and also with imprisonment for a term of not less than one week which may extend up to one year. 

Despite multiple meetings by citizens and NGOs with all concerned officials in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation the practice of illegal trimming and cutting of trees continues.

We citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad therefore appeal to you as our Hon Minister of Environment and Climate Change to intervene in this matter and order a state government led enquiry into the illegal tree trimming,tree cutting,investigate the role of officials,contractors and take most severe action against those responsible for violations of the law.

Thanking you,

Mission Save Trees Maharashtra - Pimpri Chinchwad Chapter