Pune Hills Under Threat Again? Citizens Launch Signature Drive On Weekend To Save City’s Lungs Amid Govt Committee Formation
The residents and activists have once again come forward as they fear that the hills of Pune are once again under threat as the government has constituted a committee to decide on a policy for the hills of Pune. The committee has been asked to prepare a report in one month and submit it by May 8, 2025.
The residents and activists claim that despite past commitments by the government to protect these green lungs, there have been no positive steps to date, and instead, once again, there is a threat of losing the Pune’s lungs.
The residents and activists will conduct a signature drive this coming weekend on Vetal Tekdi between 7 am-8 am and 5:30 pm-7 pm at Aapla Maruti. These signatures will be attached to an appeal letter for protecting the hilltops and hill slopes of Vetal Tekdi. The activists urge the people to come forward for the initiative as it is the last chance to save the hills.
"The Hill Top Hill Slopes (HTHS) of the tekdi and on hills across the city, play a crucial role in groundwater recharge and controlling floods by arresting soil erosion. These slopes are identified in the development plan (DP) and protected as 'no construction zones.' However, Pune’s DP has kept the HTHS matter in 'abeyance,' which has rendered tekdi vulnerable. Now, the Maharashtra government has appointed an expert committee for deciding development regulations for HTHS. We therefore appeal to this committee to not compromise the 'no construction zone' status for Vetal Tekdi," said Prajakta Divekar, member of Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti (VTBKS).
In 2006, 23 surrounding villages were merged within the PMC limit. These contained many hills, including Mahatma Tekdi, Sus, Pashan, Aundh, and Baner Tekdis where partial to full construction was permitted.
There was a huge opposition by residents to prevent any construction on these hilltops and hill slopes (HTHS). After many ups and downs, the State government in 2015 officially notified approximately 978 hectares of HTHS as Biodiversity Parks (BDP), where no construction could be carried out. The Jain Committee, constituted by the MH Govt, worked out a formula for compensation.
However, the State Govt failed to take any steps. Some of this land belonged to private individuals who needed to be compensated for their loss, but over the last 10 years, PMC did not take any steps to acquire this land and compensate the owners with TDR. PMC did not carry out surveillance on this land as mandated by the State govt, with the result that many illegal constructions came up over BDP land. On the other hand, many citizen groups worked hard to green these hills, where we now see rich biodiversity.
"Now, in April 2025, the MH State Govt has directed a committee to reopen the entire issue and give its recommendations within a month. The concern is that the efforts citizens took to protect these hills will be wasted, and that the hills will be converted into real estate! Even allowing 8% construction on hills will cause massive environmental damage, as more than 8% of the hill will be excavated for supporting structures like roads, water tanks, streetlights, clubhouses, etc. Pune's hills contain valuable urban forests, grassland ecosystems, and biodiversity. They also contain aquifers that recharge Pune's groundwater tables. They are vital buffers against climate change effects. Excavation on these hills will lead to Pune becoming increasingly unlivable! This is why Punekars need to stand up and demand that hills around Pune be kept free of construction, and be protected as BDPs. PMC should take steps to compensate the owners of the land, and to protect it from encroachments and illegal constructions," said Angad Patwardhan, member of VTBKS.
Demands:
No construction on hills and slopes along with strict enforcement of no-construction zones
No change in current BDP zoning or permissions for construction
Provide legal protection for hills as natural heritage
Timely compensation for private landowners under the BDP scheme
Hold the government accountable for lack of monitoring and enforcement of rules
Allow public participation in all future decisions about the hills
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