Supreme Court Halt: No Construction in Deemed Forest for Balbharati–Paud Phata Road
The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee has directed Maharashtra to stop all construction in the 'deemed forest' areas, particularly for the Balbharati–Paud Phata Road project in Pune, due to ongoing judicial scrutiny.
Environmental ProtectionConstruction HaltSupreme CourtDeemed ForestPuneReal Estate MaharashtraMay 17, 2025
In a letter dated Friday, CEC Chairman Siddhanta Das emphasized the need for strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case (1996), as well as Rule 16(1) of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023.
“The matter is currently before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It is essential that no construction work is initiated within ‘deemed forest’ areas in violation of existing court directives,” Das stated in the letter.
This communication was prompted by a plea submitted by environmental activists, including Sumita Kale of the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti, who have raised alarm over the potential ecological impact of the project. The group expressed concerns that the road work would severely damage the green cover and natural slopes of the Vetal Tekdi, one of Pune’s most prominent hills.
The controversial 2.1-kilometre road project, planned by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), aims to connect Balbharati to Paud Phata via Law College Road, German Bakery, and Aathle Chowk, to ease traffic congestion in the area. However, the alignment reportedly passes through ecologically sensitive zones, including sections classified as deemed forest.
While the PMC maintains that the road is essential for addressing growing urban traffic woes, citizen groups and conservationists argue that the project threatens the city’s already diminishing green spaces.
The CEC’s intervention is being viewed by activists as a crucial step toward preventing irreversible environmental damage. The committee’s final report on the matter is still under review by the Supreme Court, and no formal clearance has been granted yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Balbharati–Paud Phata Road project?
The Balbharati–Paud Phata Road project is a 2.1-kilometre road planned by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to connect Balbharati to Paud Phata via Law College Road, German Bakery, and Aathle Chowk. The project aims to ease traffic congestion in the area.
Why has the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) directed a halt to construction?
The CEC has directed a halt to construction in the 'deemed forest' areas due to ongoing judicial scrutiny. The matter is under consideration in the Supreme Court, and the CEC has emphasized the need to comply with existing court directives.
What are the environmental concerns raised by activists?
Environmental activists, including Sumita Kale of the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti, have raised concerns that the road work would severely damage the green cover and natural slopes of the Vetal Tekdi, one of Pune’s most prominent hills.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in this matter?
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the CEC’s final report on the matter. The court has not yet granted formal clearance for the construction, and the CEC’s directive is to ensure no construction work is initiated in violation of existing court directives.
What is the stance of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on this project?
The PMC maintains that the road is essential for addressing growing urban traffic woes in Pune. However, citizen groups and conservationists argue that the project threatens the city’s already diminishing green spaces.
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