After accidents and objections, trees obstructing Besa-Pipla road removed Nagpur: After months of debate and a series of accidents, authorities removed two Gulmohar trees standing in the middle of the busy Besa-Pipla main road on Tuesday night, bringing relief to commuters and motorists. Several mishaps had been reported at the spot over the past few months. The recent accident on Monday night renewed calls for removal of these trees. Despite the risks, authorities had earlier held back from taking action due to strong objections from environmental activists. A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official told TOI that all mandatory procedures were followed before the trees were cut. "We identify and mark trees based on their location and whether they fall within the road alignment. A public notice is issued, and objections, if any, are considered. Only after discussions and due approvals do we proceed," the official said. He added that compensatory plantation will be undertaken in line with norms. "The ratio generally depends on the size and type of tree. In this case, we will plant 14 trees as compensation. Once the road work is completed, we will take up fresh plantation along the stretch, either through PWD or the Nagar Panchayat, which will also benefit pedestrians," he said. Officials noted that certain species like banyan and peepal trees require additional consideration due to their ecological and cultural significance. The move has drawn mixed reactions from residents. N Cherian, a Pipla resident, said the trees could have been preserved through alternative measures. "Instead of cutting the trees, authorities could have barricaded them properly. Now, compensatory plantation must be ensured," he said.#public_works_department #besa_pipla_road #environmental_activists #nagar_panchayat #bharat_nandanwar
Pune’s Waste Crisis Laid Bare Near Balewadi: Open Dump, Burning Garbage Raise Alarm A stark depiction of Pune’s waste management challenges has emerged near the Balewadi area, where an open garbage dump and burning waste have drawn widespread concern. The site, which has become a focal point of public outcry, highlights the city’s struggle to address its growing waste crisis. Residents and environmental activists have raised alarms over the health and safety risks posed by the accumulation of waste, which is being incinerated in open spaces, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. The situation has sparked calls for immediate government intervention to address the systemic failures in waste collection and disposal. The open dump, located near residential and commercial areas, has become a symbol of the city’s inadequate infrastructure for managing municipal waste. Reports indicate that the site is frequently used for burning trash, a practice that not only contributes to air pollution but also poses serious health risks to nearby communities. Local authorities have been urged to take urgent action to prevent further environmental degradation and protect public health. The crisis has also prompted discussions about the broader implications of Pune’s waste management policies. Experts have pointed out that the city’s reliance on open burning and unregulated dumping reflects a lack of investment in sustainable waste management solutions. With Pune’s population continuing to grow, the need for a comprehensive waste management system has never been more pressing. The incident near Balewadi serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize long-term solutions over short-term fixes. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability from local authorities.#pune #local_authorities #residents #balewadi #environmental_activists
