A proposal linked to Bajaj Finserv Ventures Limited seeking permission to cut 190 trees, transplant 68 others, and alter a landscape containing 448 trees in Mundhwa has triggered a fierce environmental backlash, with activists warning that Pune is rapidly dismantling its natural defence systems to make way for relentless real-estate expansion.

The proposal, submitted through representative Mahesh Kunkulol before the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in March this year has become the latest flashpoint in a growing battle over the future of eastern Pune's green cover. Environmentalists argue that the project is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern in which mature trees, natural drainage corridors and biodiversity-rich zones are being sacrificed in the name of development.

According to documents placed before PMC's Tree Authority, the Bajaj Finserv Ventures has sought permissions affecting 448 trees at the Mundhwa site. The civic body's horticulture department has recommended permission to fell 190 trees, transplant 68 trees and undertake compensatory plantation of 2,004 trees, backed by a security deposit of ₹25.80 lakh.

However, environmental groups have questioned whether compensatory plantations can ever replace decades-old trees that currently provide flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, carbon absorption and temperature regulation.

"This is not a tree-cutting proposal. It is an ecological transformation proposal," said environmental activist Ameet Singh.

"Every mature tree removed weakens Pune's ability to absorb rainfall, recharge groundwater and withstand extreme heat. And compensatory plantation in Pune is not working at all. The Bajaj Finserv Ventures plan to plant it in another area of city but it has been strongly objected by the local politician too. We are witnessing a dangerous trend where environmental costs are socialized while development profits remain privatized. Pune is being asked to bear the flooding, pollution and heat, while private entities reap the benefits of intensified construction."

He added, "They should first replant such trees and later must get permission to chop it. But such reputed companies under the name of development chopping does not look good."

The controversy comes at a time when eastern Pune is already grappling with recurring flooding, sewage overflow, vanishing open spaces and rapidly rising temperatures.

The Bajaj Finserv proposal is only one among several projects currently before PMC's Tree Authority. Activists estimate that permissions involving nearly 839 trees are under consideration across eastern Pune, including redevelopment projects, road works and infrastructure schemes.

Among them is the Yerawada grade separator project, where permissions have been recommended for removal and transplantation of dozens of trees. Citizens argue that when viewed individually, such proposals may appear manageable, but cumulatively they represent a significant erosion of Pune's urban ecology.

The concerns are particularly acute in Kharadi and Mundhwa, where natural nallah systems already struggle to cope with sewage inflows and monsoon runoff.

Tree felling objector Gangotri Chanda described the situation as a "death by a thousand cuts.

"Every redevelopment project arrives with a tree-felling application. Citizens are repeatedly assured that transplantation and compensatory plantations will offset the loss. But where are the survival audits? How many transplanted trees actually survive? How many compensatory plantations exist beyond official files? Pune cannot continue destroying decades-old trees and expect saplings to immediately perform the same ecological functions."

The controversy has also reignited concerns about development activity along natural drainage corridors.

Objectors have cited civic documents showing permissions for drainage infrastructure works in areas already vulnerable to flooding. Environmental experts warn that removing mature trees from such landscapes further weakens the city's resilience against extreme rainfall events.

"The city is systematically dismantling its own natural flood defence system. Trees, wetlands and nallah corridors that protected Pune for decades are being treated as obstacles to development. Once these ecological buffers disappear, flooding becomes inevitable. Citizens will ultimately pay the price for short-term construction gains through flooded homes, damaged infrastructure and worsening environmental degradation. Pune is approaching a point where every tree felled today could translate into a flood hotspot tomorrow."Sarang Yadwadkar, Environmental Activist

According to environmental Tanaji Gambhire, mature trees form an essential component of urban flood management.

"Trees are not obstacles to development; they are infrastructure. Their roots stabilise soil, absorb excess water, filter pollutants and reduce runoff. Cutting old-growth trees while simultaneously spending crores on flood-control projects is environmentally contradictory. Nature-based solutions and bioremediation should be prioritised before large-scale tree removal is considered."

Experts have repeatedly advocated converting amenity spaces along eastern Pune's nallah corridors into ecological buffers, biodiversity parks and bioremediation zones capable of naturally filtering pollutants and reducing flood risk.

The latest proposals have once again placed PMC's Tree Authority under scrutiny.

Citizen groups allege that permissions for tree removal are increasingly being processed as administrative formalities rather than subjected to rigorous ecological evaluation. They have urged the civic body to conduct cumulative environmental impact assessments rather than examining each proposal in isolation.

Activists have also invoked the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, arguing that the law was enacted to preserve urban green cover-not facilitate its gradual depletion.

On repeated attempt to contact PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram fail to response.

For many residents, the debate is no longer about one project or one developer.

The battle over the Bajaj Finserv proposal has become symbolic of a broader question confronting Pune: whether the city will preserve its shrinking ecological infrastructure or continue replacing mature trees, natural drainage channels and biodiversity corridors with concrete.

As permissions affecting hundreds of trees move through the approval process, environmental groups are demanding independent site inspections, scientific ecological assessments and public hearings before any final decisions are taken.

"The issue is bigger than Bajaj Finserv, bigger than one project and bigger than one ward," Singh said.

"The question is whether Pune wants a sustainable future or a future of recurring floods, rising temperatures and disappearing green cover. The decisions being taken today will determine what kind of city future generations inherit."

On the another hand Bajaj Finserv Limited mentioned that, "we remain firmly committed to its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. The tree felling and transplantation activities at the Mundhwa project are being undertaken strictly in accordance with statutory permissions granted by competent authorities, PMC under Act and applicable regulations. These interventions are limited, necessary, and carried out only where unavoidable, with mitigation measures integrated into the project design."

It went on, "Beyond this project, we has planted over 6 lakh saplings across India in the last five years, supporting ecological restoration and climate resilience. We are also targeting LEED and IGBC Platinum certifications for this project, reflecting standards that go well beyond regulatory compliance. As a Founding Member of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), sustainability remains embedded in our long-term strategy.Compensatory plantation includes 556 saplings within the project premises and 3,004 saplings at designated sites, as per regulatory requirements. The broader sustainability efforts as in this project is also designed to source over 50% of its energy from renewable sources, reinforcing our commitment to low-carbon development."

It added, "An assessment conducted using accepted methodologies indicates that the trees proposed for removal currently sequester approximately 674.26 kg CO₂ per year, while the planned compensatory plantation is expected to sequester approximately 39,181.64 kg CO₂ per year over time-significantly exceeding the current levels.

Additionally, we has developed a carbon neutrality roadmap targeting neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032, supported by afforestation and renewable energy initiatives."

Key Figures from the Mundhwa Proposal