Residents demand explanation from forest dept on ‘tree-felling’ activities in Pune’s Taljai hill

According to the residents, for the past few years, the forest department has not been able to furnish enough information about the ongoing works at Taljai hill, despite continuous demands from the Sahakarnagar Citizen’s Forum (SCF).

Ketki Sathe, a member of SCF, demanded strict action against those found guilty of illegally felling trees and also a joint inspection by the forest department, environment department, and citizens on the activities going on in Taljai hill.

Other demands in the letter include having proper details of the vehicles entering the forest and providing departmental passes for the contractors and employees.

Sathe said that no tree-cutting activities should occur in the absence of officials who are equipped with the knowledge of cutting and plantation of trees.

“We need proper information about the works being undertaken at Taljai hill with boards bearing information about the departments undertaking the works that should be placed at the entrance and exit of the forest. These boards should contain the location, along with the duration of work and the names of the contractors,” Sathe said.

Another resident said for many years, the forest department has not been keeping transparency in their works.
“We have also demanded CCTVs in the forest to monitor the ongoing activities. We have submitted a letter, demanding transparency in the forest activities and an immediate official response from the forest department,” he said.

Mahadev Mohite, deputy conservator of forests, Pune division, said the tree-felling activity is nothing but the cutting of Gliricidia Sepium, an invasive plant that has to be trimmed to protect the indigenous plant species.

Mohite said he will go to the site to inspect the tree-cutting activities, after which he will release an official response from the forest department.