Supreme Court Halt: No Construction in Deemed Forest for Balbharati–Paud Phata Road in Pune

What is the Balbharati–Paud Phata Road project? A: 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. Q: Why has the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) intervened? A: The CEC has intervened due to concerns over the potential ecological impact of the road project. The committee has directed the Maharashtra government to stop all construction activities in the ‘deemed forest’ areas, citing ongoing judicial review and environmental concerns. Q: What are the environmental concerns raised by activists? A: 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. They argue that the project threatens the city’s already diminishing green spaces. Q: What is the role of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in this project? A: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is the planning and implementing authority for the Balbharati–Paud Phata Road project. The PMC maintains that the road is essential for addressing growing urban traffic woes in Pune. Q: What is the current status of the project? A: The project is currently on hold due to the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) directive. The CEC’s final report on the matter is still under review by the Supreme Court, and no formal clearance has been granted yet.

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