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Trees of Pune’s riparian zones get a breather as direction issued to ‘exercise restraint on tree-felling’ for RFD project

Jaikumaran's letter comes in the context of a Supreme Court order from March 2025 that states and Union Territories must identify and document all deemed forests within six months.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Nov 12, 2025 10:14 PM IST

Citizen groups have knocked on the doors of government authorities and the courts to stop the civic bodies of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad from felling trees in the riparian zones. (Source: Express Archives/ Representational)

In a boost to Pune’s biodiversity and the citizens who have been insisting on a sustainable Riverfront Development Project (RFD), N Jaikumaran, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Land Records, Maharashtra, has directed Pune’s Conservator of Forests (regional) to exercise restraint on any tree felling related to the RFD along the Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha rivers.

According to a statement from the citizen groups, “The letter (from Jaikumaran) follows a representation submitted by Adv. Ronita Bhattacharya Bector and Mr. Kedar Bhagwat, Director of the Ecological Society, Pune. A copy of their representation was enclosed with the PCCF’s communication, which directs the Regional Forest Officer to take appropriate action, inform the applicants and submit a compliance report to the PCCF’s office.”

Jaikumaran’s letter comes in the context of a Supreme Court order from March 2025 that states and Union Territories must identify and document all deemed forests within six months. The states are to collect this list from all the districts. Citizens in Pune are waiting to find out if an expert committee constituted by the state has carried out an evaluation of deemed forest land in the riparian zones.

If the state documents the riparian zones as deemed forests, it would strengthen the citizens’ fight to protect these spaces from ongoing destruction. “At present, the civic bodies put tree-cutting notices as if these are isolated trees on a roadside. But, if the riparian zones are officially considered as forests, it won’t be easy to rampantly destroy the ecosystem. The civic bodies will have to follow the processes of deforestation, which are more difficult,” says Prajakta Mahajan, a citizen associated with the Pune River Revival, which works to safeguard rivers and other natural resources of the city.

Studies have been conducted and there have been marches and protests. Citizen groups have knocked on the doors of government authorities and the courts to stop the civic bodies of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad from felling trees in the riparian zones.

“This is an important letter and we hope the rich riparian zones in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are protected. This is important for our health and our future,” said Bhagwat. Other citizens, who are working with the environment, say that the letter marks “an important step forward in the conservation of riparian forests”. “This official intervention is a significant step toward protecting Pune’s ecologically sensitive riverbanks while the legal and scientific evaluation of these lands is underway,” they said.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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