PCMC Cracks Down on Illegal Tree Cutting for Ads; 40 Hoarding Licenses Face Cancellations

Report by The Newsage Pune.

PCMC Commissioner Approves Decision of License Cancellations After Illegal Tree Cutting

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated strict action against illegal tree cutting and pruning done to improve visibility of advertisements. The Garden Department has proposed the cancellation of licenses for 40 hoarding owners found guilty of trimming or uprooting trees without permission.

In order to safeguard Pune's vegetation, illegal pruning of trees has been discouraged by PCMC. Pruning of the city's green cover would be carried out in order to increase the visibility of the billboards and hoardings displayed all over. However, this act has been illegally carried out for a while and action has been taken to cease the same.

Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has approved the move, and police complaints have been filed against the violators. Unauthorized pruning has been reported in areas like Chikhali-Haveli Road, Wadgaon Mukhwadi, and Dehu-Alandi Road. According to municipal rules, any tree cutting requires prior approval from the Tree Authority Committee.

However, many hoarding agencies and shop owners have been illegally cutting branches-often at night-to avoid detection. Despite a tenfold increase in penalties, illegal pruning continues. The Garden Department has confirmed violations after conducting site inspections. Officials emphasize that strict action under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, will be taken to deter future offences and protect the city's green cover.