Hundreds of Trees Replanted by PCMC Wither Due to Summer Heat, Lack of Care

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Trees Replanted by PCMC Wither in Summer Heat

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) transplanted trees from developmental projects like the Nigdi-Pimpri Metro and Pimpri Dairy Farm flyover to the Akurdi railway line. However, due to replanting in peak summer without proper care, hundreds of trees have perished.

Although the intention of PCMC was pure productivity and welfare, experts stress on the need to learn proper scientific transplantation and replantation techniques to prevent loss of trees in the environment. Due to the wrong handling of the trees uprooted, majority of them have been perished. Environmentalists express their frustration over not prioritizing preservation of the same.

Contractors dug shallow pits of just 2 to 2.5 feet, and many trees were cut before being replanted reducing survival chances. Experts say transplantation should occur before spring for better root growth. Despite PCMC's environmental commitments, lack of watering and maintenance has led to widespread tree loss. Environmentalists and residents are frustrated, accusing contractors of prioritizing invoicing over preservation.

PCMC's horticulture department has now instructed immediate watering via tankers. Assistant Commissioner Umesh Shakane stated that Maha Metro authorities have also been asked to care for the trees. Experts stress the need for scientific transplantation methods and post-replantation care to prevent further tree loss.