Pune: 2,399 trees to be removed for flyover at Chandni Chowk

A total of 2,399 trees are going to be affected for the construction of the much-delayed multi-level flyover at Chandni Chowk on the Bengaluru-Mumbai bypass to ease traffic in the area.

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According to the proposal, a road to be constructed by the civic body as part of the project would affect a total of 2,399 trees and permission for removing them was given by the civic tree officer in August. (Representational image)

A total of 2,399 trees are going to be affected for the construction of the much-delayed multi-level flyover at Chandni Chowk on the Bengaluru-Mumbai bypass to ease traffic in the area.

In a proposal tabled in the standing committee, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration has proposed to allot funds for various works before the actual construction of the flyover that would be done by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore.

“In all, 1,454 trees would be replanted while 945 more would be completely uprooted for the project. Also, 7,197 trees have to be planted to compensate for the removal of trees from the construction site,” it said.

The municipal commissioner had received the proposal for cutting of trees at the project site on August 29 and permission for the same was granted by the civic tree officer on August 31. The municipal commissioner had further directed allocation of funds to the NHAI for the purpose and, accordingly, the Pune Tree Authority gave its consent to the NHAI for the removal of trees. The civic administration estimated the expenditure at Rs 1.5 crore.

Apart from the expenditure for cutting of trees, the civic administration also sought granting Rs 5 crore to the NHAI for shifting of water pipelines coming in the way of construction of the flyover, Rs 1 crore for security chowky of National Defence Academy (NDA), water tanks, toilet and boom barricades and Rs 40 lakh for demolition and reconstruction of the police chowky in Chandni Chowk area.

“The standing committee approved the civic administration’s proposal to allot funds of

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Rs 7.9 crore to carry out the work of cutting trees, shifting of water pipelines, demolition and reconstruction of infrastructure for NDA and police in the adjoining land,” said Sunil Kamble, chairperson of the standing committee.

The proposal also stated that the PMC would be shifting electric poles and power utility cables from the construction site at a total expenditure of Rs 4.94 crore and drainage pipes at the cost of Rs 1.58 crore.

It said that the telecommunications department has decided to shift its underground cables from the site at its own cost. The Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd too has decided to spend from its own pocket for shifting of gas pipelines from the site.

Traffic from Mumbai, Satara, Konkan and Pune City flows through the Bengaluru-Mumbai bypass. A total of five roads meet at the junction.

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The civic body faced a lot of problems acquiring land for the project delaying it after the foundation stone was laid a year ago.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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