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Maharashtra: Over 2,000 trees to be cut for construction of multi-level flyover in Pune

Pune: Over 2,399 are likely to be cut in Maharashtra's Pune to construct a multi-level flyover at Chandni Chowk on the Bengaluru-Mumbai bypass. The flyover as authorities claimed is meant to ease the traffic in the area. 

The flyover will be constructed by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 420 cr.

The proposal to fell the trees was approved by civic tree officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in August this year. 

According to a report, the corporation said over 7,000 trees would be planted to compensate for the loss of green cover. The municipal body also said that 1,454 trees would also be replanted.

According to the municipal body, it received a proposal to remove the trees for the project on August 29 and the permission for the same was given on August 31. As the municipal commissioner ordered allocation of funds to NHAI for the project, the Pune Tree Authority also gave a go-ahead to NHAI for the felling of trees. 

An expenditure of over Rs 1.5 cr is estimated for the felling of trees. Apart from other expenditures, the municipal body has sought Rs 5 cr for shifting water pipelines coming in the way of flyover construction. 

"The standing committee approved the civic administration’s proposal to allot funds of Rs 7.9 crore to carry out the work of cutting trees, shifting of water pipelines, demolition and reconstruction of infrastructure for NDA and police in the adjoining land," the report quoted Sunil Kamble, chairperson of the PMC standing committee.

The municipal body's proposal also stated that it would also shift electric poles, powerlines,  and drainage pipes that would cost a total of over Rs 6 cr.

The telecom department will also shift its underground cables from the site on its own. Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited will too use its own funds to shift gas pipelines from the project site. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had faced many difficulties in acquiring land for the project. The foundation for the flyover was laid a year ago.

In October this year, tree authorities cut down over 2,000 trees in Aarey forest in Mumbai to construct a Metro car shed. However, the Supreme Court later stayed further cutting of trees in the forest.

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