Pune MLA Demands Concessional Tree Pruning Policy for Private Properties

Pune: Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole has called for the state government to introduce a policy for pruning trees at concessional rates on private properties. This demand came amid concerns over the safety and well-being of residents, particularly following a tragic incident in Karvenagar where two people died due to a tree falling from a private property during heavy rain.

In addition to the loss of lives, incidents of roads being blocked and damage to vehicles have also been reported due to fallen branches. Shirole emphasized the need for the civic administration to take proactive measures to prune trees to prevent such mishaps. He made this statement at the state legislative Assembly during the monsoon session.

Residents of Pune have also expressed their concerns and demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) streamline the process of obtaining permission for trimming tree branches. According to Shirole, while the PMC prunes dangerous tree branches in the city before the monsoon, property owners are required to prune the branches of trees on private properties. This process is often fraught with delays in obtaining permission from the civic body and excessive charges by contractors.

"The government should make a policy decision to ensure that permissions for branch pruning are given to citizens at the earliest. The pruning should also be done at concessional rates. The municipal corporations should plan accordingly, and the government should issue such instructions," Shirole said.

Residents have raised concerns over the PMC's failure to trim hazardous tree branches on private properties. Ramesh Mehta, a resident of Shivajinagar, stated, "The PMC does not trim the branches on its own if trees are located on private properties. Due to the high cost involved in cutting, owners, too, do not come forward. The PMC should work out a system for such cases, as safety cannot be compromised. Many trees are on private properties, but their branches tilt towards the road. These must be trimmed without waiting for citizens' applications."

Residents have also noted that dangerous branches were not trimmed adequately before the monsoon, resulting in more fallen branches this year. The early arrival of rain left the PMC unprepared, leading to fallen branches and the closure of several roads, as well as damage to properties and vehicles.

Ashutosh Joshi, a resident of the Parvati area, said, "Instances of tree falls were more this time owing to heavy showers. The administration should rope in more staff to trim dangerous branches, as it looks like a lot of work is still pending."

According to PMC officials, a lack of manpower has been cited as a reason for the incomplete work. "Regular branch cutting is carried out before the start of the rainy season. The number of complaints is high, and reaching all spots is a laborious task. So, private contractors are appointed to attend the calls urgently," said a senior official of the PMC's garden department.

The demand for a more efficient and affordable tree pruning policy is gaining traction as residents and local leaders alike recognize the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety and prevent property damage during the monsoon season.