Pune Residents Rally to Protect Tree-Covered Plot from Land Mafia
Mohammadwadi, 19th February 2026: Residents of Ganga Kingston and neighbouring housing societies have raised alarm after four unidentified persons allegedly created a ruckus outside their society gate on Thursday, February 19, questioning citizens for guarding a nearly one-acre amenity plot that locals say they have protected for years.
According to residents, the visitors arrived at the site and began shouting at the top of their voices, demanding to know why citizens were “guarding” the land. One of the men reportedly claimed to be a corporator and, in what residents described as an intimidating tone, instructed security personnel to call the society’s office-bearers to the spot.
The plot, considered a prime urban parcel, has been preserved by residents who say they have planted over 200 trees there to prevent encroachment. Locals allege that the land has previously been targeted by “land mafia” and that successive attempts have been made by vested interests to grab the space.
Following the incident, residents have submitted a written complaint to the police and to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner, Naval Kishore Ram, seeking protection for the land and demanding that it be officially declared an urban park.
Senior citizen Minoo Irani condemned the alleged intimidation. “Instead of wiping the tears of citizens who are already suffering due to multiple civic issues, close members and groups of corporators are threatening those who are protecting amenity spaces for future generations. There seems to be no concern for humanity. Grabbing amenity space appears to be on the agenda. Citizens’ lives are in danger,” she alleged.
Another resident, Raviraj Ghule, said amenity plots in the area are worth crores of rupees, making them attractive to vested interests. “They don’t want to serve people. We are already dealing with crime, corruption, bad air quality, traffic congestion, lack of water, broken footpaths and hooliganism. Instead of addressing these issues, elected representatives are eyeing public land for private profit,” he said.
A third resident, Anita Deshpande, who has been part of the citizens’ group safeguarding the land, said the episode has left many families anxious. “We planted over 200 trees here with our own hands to protect this space for children and senior citizens. If people in positions of power come and try to intimidate us, what message does that send? We are only asking that this amenity plot be officially declared a public park so that no one can misuse it in the future,” she said.
Urban planners note that amenity spaces are earmarked in development plans for public utilities, parks, and open areas to ensure environmental balance in rapidly growing cities. Residents of Ganga Kingston say they will continue to guard the plot until authorities provide written assurance of its protection and initiate the process to notify it as an urban green space.
